The Russian Aerospace Forces lost a strategic Tu-22M3 bomber in an accident that occurred in the Irkutsk region, in the eastern part of the country. The crash was reported by the Russian military aviation channel Fighterbomber on Telegram.
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According to local media, the aircraft went down near the village of Buryat, in the Usolsky district. It is suspected that the bomber was assigned to the Belaya airbase, as part of the 326th Ternopil Heavy Bomber Division of the 37th Russian Air Army.
Recent history of accidents
This is not the first accident involving the Tu-22M3 model in the region. On August 15, 2024, another aircraft of the same type crashed near the village of Mikhailovka, about 100 meters from the R-255 federal highway.
About the Tu-22M3
The Tu-22M3 is a long-range strategic bomber that made its first flight in 1977 and was officially introduced into service in 1989, after project updates. The last unit was produced in 1993. The model has a four-person crew and can carry up to three Kh-22 or Kh-32 cruise missiles. It has a length of 42.45 meters, a height of 11.05 meters, and a variable wingspan depending on the flight mode.
Equipped with two NK-25 engines, the Tu-22M3 can reach a thrust of 14,500 kgf in normal mode and up to 25,000 kgf with afterburner. Its range can reach up to 7,000 km without refueling, or 2,400 km with maximum payload.
According to 2024 data, Russia had 56 Tu-22M3 aircraft in active service.
Source and images: militarnyi.com, Telegram @fighter_bomber. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
