Russian FSB claims foiled plot to hijack strategic bomber to Ukraine

The Russian FSB has announced that it thwarted an attempt to steal a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber by a pilot who planned to fly the aircraft to Ukraine. Here, we provide the case's background and details about this aircraft's performance.

Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the Russian Federation's information war.

The Russian FSB claimed in the media that it prevented the theft of a Tu-22M3 bomber by a pilot who allegedly intended to land the aircraft near Zhytomyr in exchange for $2 million and a promise of Italian citizenship.

According to reports, the pilot informed the FSB about the recruitment attempt by opposing intelligence. This could have been a genuine attempt, but it is also possible it was an FSB operation designed for propaganda or deterrence against pilots considering a similar action.

It is no secret that both Ukrainian and Russian intelligence actively operate in enemy territory. They attempt to recruit individuals in high positions with access to crucial equipment or knowledge through bribery, emotional manipulation, promises of a better life, or blackmail.

For the Russians, aircraft pilots who can drop FAB glide bombs with UMPK modules or launch supersonic Kh-22 Raduga or Kh-47M2 Kinzhal cruise missiles are among the most crucial individuals.

Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers are an upgraded version of older Tu-22M machines, capable of carrying up to 53,000 pounds of armament. This payload includes Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, 18 guided FAB-500 bombs, or eight one-and-a-half-ton FAB-1500 bombs, allowing multiple target attacks during a single raid.

Thanks to their enormous payload capacity, high cruising speed of almost Mach 1.9 (approximately 1,441 mph), and high altitude of approximately 8 miles, Tu-22M3 bombers can attack targets in Ukraine from beyond the range of most anti-aircraft systems. The exceptions are medium-range systems like the Patriot and SAMP/T, of which Ukraine has too few. Notably, the Ukrainians managed to shoot down one Tu-22M3 using the older S-200 Vega system, but this incident has been isolated.

Another advantage for Russia with the Tu-22M3 bombers is their operational range of about 4,350 miles, allowing them to conduct attacks from deep within Russia. This makes it more difficult for them to destroy on the ground using drones than Su-34 tactical bombers, which must be kept closer to the conflict zone.