Russian Air Force loses another Tu‑22M3 bomber in training mishap

On August 15, in the Irkutsk region, Russia lost another Tu-22M3 bomber. This aircraft type, renowned for its capabilities, is among the most important for the Russian Air Force. Military expert Oleg Katkov highlighted that the Russians closely guard information regarding the number of Tu-22M3 bombers in possession.

The loss of this Tu-22M3 was not related to Ukrainian actions. The Russian aircraft crashed in Siberia during a training flight. Preliminary inspections by Russian authorities indicated that a "technical malfunction" caused the crash.

Photos from the crash site, showing the remains of the ill-fated Tu-22M3, are beginning to appear on social media.

Military expert Oleg Katkov notes that it is very difficult to estimate the Russians' number of Tu-22M3 bombers. According to the Military Balance report, they had 57 units in mid-2023.

Now, the number is undoubtedly smaller. Several of these aircraft have been destroyed or damaged by Ukrainians. It is also uncertain whether all stored Tu-22M3 bombers are fully operational.

"Of course, the Russian Federation has problems maintaining these aircraft in proper combat readiness. Currently, the main bomber of the Russian Federation is the Tu-95. On paper, they have about 40. Information on the actual number of Tu-22M3 aircraft is closely guarded, as there are various issues. For instance, engines for these aircraft have not been produced since 1996," Oleg Katkov explained, as quoted by the Unian agency.

Confirmed information shows that the Russians lost two Tu-22M3 units this year, one in April and another in August. Additionally, two more were damaged in July during a Ukrainian attack on Olenia airfield.

A very important feature of the Tu-22M3 is its ability to carry up to 53,000 lbs of armament. Equally significant, especially from the Ukrainian perspective, is that this Russian bomber can carry Kh-32 and Kh-22 missiles, which are difficult for Ukrainians to defend against. The range of the Kh-22, when launched from an altitude of 46,000 feet, is estimated to be about 340 miles. Additionally, the Tu-22M3 can carry Kh-15 or Kh-47M2 Kinzhal cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,242 miles.

The Tu-22M3 can also reach speeds of up to 1,429 mph. The bomber's range is up to 4,350 miles. It measures 139 feet in length and 113 feet in wingspan.