Make the effort to understand what supporting systems are available, what systems exist, what logistics is required to present a persistent package on a mission.Excuse me, but by the same measure, strategic/MPA Bears can also be used in a package, together with fighters, AWACS, tankers, and more modern Su-34s, Blackjacks & Backfires. Thanks to their range, they may get into positions to attack multiple targets before they are themselves can be attacked. Otherwise, why keep them in the RN/AF & Indian AF?
STOP throwing names and numbers into responses unless you understand the basics. This is getting really tiresome, and you have been repeatedly warned about your posting behaviour.
Longevity of a platform has no relevance against a capability matrix - there are a whole pile of other factors involved - including the purchasing and replacement frugality/cycle/competency/threat matrix issues.