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.
#1: Horse To: BTP Holdings (#0)
Horse posted on 2024-08-18 10:49:53 Reply Private Reply
#2: BTP Holdings To: Horse (#1)
My bad. That story came from Dagens News (US). MSN is merely the conduit. ;)
BTP Holdings posted on 2024-08-18 12:59:48 Reply Private Reply
#3: ghostrider To: BTP Holdings (#0)
As if there was any question outside of the "MORONS FOR JOE AND THE HO" crowd.
ghostrider posted on 2024-08-18 13:41:47 Reply Private Reply
#4: Esso To: ghostrider (#3)
Stand by on the bumper stickers. DNC starts tomorrow, you should know what to do by Thursday.
My money is on "Big Mike/Shapiro 2024 [linebreak] uncut & cut [linebreak] the swingin' meat America needs to save democracy!"
Esso posted on 2024-08-18 13:56:46 Reply Private Reply
#5: Prefrontal Vortex To: BTP Holdings (#0)
Russian air force procurement Based on available data, the Russian Air Force is planning to procure a significant number of aircraft and helicopters over the next few years. Here are some key points:
Fighter Jets: Su-35S: 130 aircraft to be delivered over the next 10 years, with 30 already delivered and 100 remaining on an existing contract from 2015. Su-57: 12 aircraft to be delivered by 2021, with around 50 more expected by 2027. Su-30: 17 new aircraft delivered in 2017, with plans to modernize existing fleets. MiG-29: 42/8 aircraft delivered between 2012-2017, with plans to procure more. MiG-35: Uncertain procurement plans, with reports suggesting limited numbers. Bombers: Su-34: 107 aircraft delivered, with plans to procure more. Tu-22: 69 aircraft in service. Tu-95: 60 aircraft in service. Tu-160: 66 aircraft in service. Trainers: Yak-130: 95 aircraft delivered, with plans to procure more. Yak-152: 150 aircraft planned. Transport Aircraft: Il-76: 100-150 aircraft in service. An-12: 30-60 aircraft in service. Il-112: 40-50 aircraft planned. Other types: 40-50 aircraft planned.
Prefrontal Vortex posted on 2024-08-18 14:24:05 Reply Private Reply
#6: ghostrider To: Esso (#4)
ghostrider posted on 2024-08-18 16:57:01 Reply Private Reply
#7: Esso To: ghostrider (#6)
I'd be a lot happier with dicq references though.
I Like It in the P***** (Rare 1960s Cover Song) by Bee Nasti
Pam liked it in the ass. She was the consummate CIA agent.
Esso posted on 2024-08-18 17:03:01 Reply Private Reply
#8: BTP Holdings To: Prefrontal Vortex (#5)
BTP Holdings posted on 2024-08-18 17:15:03 Reply Private Reply
#9: BTP Holdings To: Esso (#7)
BTP Holdings posted on 2024-08-18 17:18:54 Reply Private Reply
#10: Esso To: BTP Holdings (#9)
prostrateprostate stuff, and I don't put my dicq where it doesn't belong.40 some years ago what I did, is off the record.
Esso posted on 2024-08-18 17:26:10 Reply Private Reply
#11: BTP Holdings To: Esso (#10)
Now if I can get this Ukrainian woman up here from New Zealand maybe things will work out yet. she just turned 31 and plans to bring along her girlfriend. She asked if I could handle them both. LOL
She is a rancher and will sell the ranch and bring along the proceeds of the sale. She was raising horses, hares and geese and Estonian cows which have 4% milk fat.
BTP Holdings posted on 2024-08-18 18:38:35 Reply Private Reply