The Tupolev Tu-126 AEW&С aircraft was built on the basis of the Tu-114 large turboprop airliner.
The aircraft was optimized for interaction with the Tu-128 heavy long-range interceptor . The Tu-126 AEW&С and Tu-128 interceptor were used to provide air defense of the state border of the northern USSR (it was originally planned this way).
Start project in 1958.
First flight in 1962.
Were built in Kuibyshev Aviation Plant 8 or 14 Tu-126 (according to various sources).

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