Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber Crashes in Irkutsk Region
A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a scheduled training flight in the Irkutsk region on Monday, June 15, while approaching for landing, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense....
A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a scheduled training flight in the Irkutsk region on Monday, June 15, while approaching for landing, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Table Of Content
Crash Details and Pilot Status
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the aircraft went down during a routine training mission. Preliminary reports indicate that the entire crew successfully ejected, and there are no threats to the pilots’ lives or health. The aircraft was reportedly unarmed at the time of the incident, and no damage was reported on the ground.
Footage and Investigation
Circulated footage shows the moment the bomber crashed near the Angara River, followed by a plume of black smoke and a fire. A commission from the Main Command of the Russian Aerospace Forces is currently on-site investigating the cause of the disaster.
Strategic Bomber Profile
The Tu-22M3 is a supersonic, long-range missile-carrying bomber belonging to Russia’s Long-Range Aviation. It is capable of carrying both nuclear weapons and conventional missile-bomb armaments, including cruise missiles.
Operational Context
Russian Tu-22M3 bombers from the 52nd Guards Heavy Bomber Regiment have been deployed during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notably, these aircraft were used to bomb the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol on April 15, 2022.