OSR Contribution to NIE 11-14-68, Soviet and East European General Purpose Forces, CIA/DI/OSR, October 1968.

There probably will not be any major
change in the SNAF bomber forces during the next few
years, although the deployment of additional ASM-
equipped aircraft is possible. The re-equipment of
the ASW forces with more modern aircraft is expected
to continue. The strength of these forces-probably
will be increased somewhat, and a gradual improvement
in ASW capabilities can be expected.
Over the longer term the number of
bombers is expected to decline, especially if no
additional TU-22's are deployed. This decline could
lead to the introduction of a new medium bomber in
the mid-1970's.
There may be some further growth in
the strength and capabilities of the ASW forces
during the 1970's, but no major new programs are
projected.
(1) Bombers
TU-95 deployment probably will
end now that the two reconnaissance regiments equipped
with this aircraft each have about 20 aircraft.. This
force is expected to continue in service through the
1970's.
Owing to the trend in SNAF deploy-
ment of the TU-22 .it seems unlikely that additional TU-22
regiments will be 'formed. Because of the continued
evidence of AS-4 development, however, projections of
TU-22 deployment allow for the possible introduction
of two new regiments.
The strength of the TU-16 ASM-
equipped forces has been relatively stable for sev-
eral years, and it is unlikely that there will be
any substantial change in the next few years. The
re-equipment of the Badger B force:with the new AS-5
missile (in place of the obsolete AS-1 Kennel) extends
the life of these aircraft, and they are expected to
continue in service into the mid-1970's. The Badger C/
AS-2 also is expected to remain in service, although
the number probably will decline during the 1970's.
There is some possibility that the Badger C may be
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TO EGRET