Another Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber Crash: How Many Are Left? Story by Kathrine Frich • 17 August 2024
The photo is illustrative. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
© The photo is illustrative. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Russia lost another Tu-22M3 bomber in the Irkutsk region, marking a significant blow to its air force.
A Technical Malfunction
According to Tech the Tu-22M3, a crucial asset in Russia's strategic bomber fleet, went down during a training mission over Siberia.
Initial reports from Russian officials suggest that the crash was due to a "technical malfunction" and not related to any Ukrainian military actions.
The Tu-22M3 bomber is a key element of Russia's long-range aviation capabilities, capable of carrying up to 24 tons of armament, including Kh-32 and Kh-22 missiles.
These missiles pose a particular threat to Ukraine due to their extended range and difficulty to intercept. The Tu-22M3 can also be equipped with Kh-15 or Kh-47M2 Kinzhal cruise missiles, with ranges up to 2,000 km. Also read
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Less than 57
Military experts have highlighted the challenges Russia faces in maintaining its fleet of these bombers.
According to Oleg Katkov, a military analyst, it is difficult to estimate how many Tu-22M3s Russia currently has operational.
As of mid-2023, reports indicated that Russia had 57 of these bombers, but that number has likely decreased due to recent losses.
Two Tu-22M3s were destroyed earlier this year—one in April and another in August. Additionally, two more were damaged in July during a Ukrainian strike on Olenya airbase.
Katkov also noted that Russia's ability to maintain these aircraft is hampered by the fact that engines for the Tu-22M3 have not been produced since 1996.
Poster Comment:
Our military-industrial compiles may be corrupt, but at least we can build the aircraft and engines we need for fighters and bombers.