Get to know the Tu-22M3 Bomber, Russia’s flagship aircraft that was shot down in Ukraine

JAKARTA – Russia mourns after one of its flagship Tu-22M3 bombers was shot down in Ukraine while attacking Kyiv on April 18 2024.

The plane crashed in Russia’s Stavropol region while trying to return to base in Shpakovskoye after being hit by a missile. It is suspected that the Russian Tu-22M3 bomber was hit by a Ukrainian S-200 air defense missile.

Looking at its history, the Tupolev Tu-22M was originally developed by the Soviet Union and produced by Tupolev. This aircraft is a bomber unit designed during the Cold War. This bomber first flew on August 30, 1969 and is still used by the Russian Air Force today.

Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber Specifications

Reporting from Army Recognition, Saturday (20/4/2024) the Tu-22M3 model first took to the air in 1976 and entered service in 1983. The Tupolev Tu-22M is equipped with extraordinary features that make it a deadly threat.

The Tu-22M is equipped with variable geometry wings, which enable optimal performance at different altitudes and speeds. The Tu-22M3 model, an evolution of the original design, is powered by the NK-25 turbofan engine, offering a top speed of over Mach 1.8 and supersonic low-level flight capabilities thanks to an advanced navigation system and improved radar.

With a maximum range of almost 7,000 kilometers without refueling, the Tu-22M3 can carry up to 24,000 kilograms of ammunition, including Kh-22 cruise missiles or conventional bombs, making it suitable for deep penetration or maritime strike missions. These capabilities position it as a key tool in Russia’s power projection and nuclear deterrence strategy.

The threat posed by the Tu-22M3 comes from its weapons sector, including the Kh-22 supersonic cruise missile, which was originally designed to target carrier groups with conventional or nuclear warheads. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 4.6, these missiles pose a serious threat to targets due to their ability to cause massive destruction and civilian casualties, as seen in attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The Ukrainian military’s previous inability to counter these missiles led to a risky commando mission in August 2023, in which Ukrainian intelligence units marched more than 600 kilometers across Russian territory to neutralize the threat posed by Tu-22M3 bombers stationed at the Soltsy airfield in the Novgorod region.

The Tu-22M3’s crew of four has an ejection seat system that ensures their safety if needed. It appears that three pilots managed to eject and survive this incident, they were treated in hospital.

The aircraft’s configuration and offensive capabilities make it not only important for Russia’s nuclear strategy but also a priority target for Ukrainian operations aimed at reducing Russia’s air dominance in the region.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated there was no ammunition on board the TU-22M3. “The initial cause of the crash was a technical malfunction,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Meanwhile, according to several reports, the Tupolev Tu-22M was shot down by rudal Ukraine of the S-200 air defense system, equipment designed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. The use of these aging missiles to attack Russian targets could reflect a shortage of ammunition, potentially highlighting NATO’s lack of adequate support in terms of anti-aircraft missiles. The S-200, also known as the SA-5 Gammon, is intended for wide-area defense against high-altitude bombers and other aerial threats.

(msf)