IRIA News

Ukraine claims its forces shot down a Russian strategic bomber on April 19, 2024. Moscow has denied Kyiv’s claims about shooting down the plane and says that the aircraft crashed in a thinly populated region due to a malfunction.

One of Russia’s long-range strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-22M3, which was involved in a long-range air strike that resulted in the deaths of at least nine people in the central region of Dnipropetrovsk, crashed in Russian territories around 300 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border on April 19.

Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said that the bomber was returning to the Russian base after conducting its long-range strike mission before it was shot down by Ukrainian forces.

“For the first time, antiaircraft missile units of the air force, in cooperation with the defense intelligence of Ukraine, destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber,” Ukraine’s military said in a statement on Friday.

Russian officials, however, denied Ukraine’s claims and said the plane crashed over the southern Stavropol region due to a technical malfunction. “According to preliminary data, the cause of the accident was a technical malfunction,” the state-run TASS news agency quoted Russia’s Defence Ministry as saying.

“A Russian armed forces Tu-22M3 aircraft crashed in the Stavropol region while returning to its base aerodrome after performing a combat mission. The pilots ejected,” the statement added.

Authorities stated that three crew members were rescued after ejecting from the aircraft, with efforts ongoing to locate the fourth crew member.

Topulev Tu-22M3

Topulev Tu-22M3 is one of the most celebrated components of Russia’s aerial arsenal and stands as a symbol of the nation’s military prowess and strategic reach. Designed as a supersonic, long-range strategic bomber the Tu-22M3 boasts impressive dimensions that contribute to its formidable capabilities. it has a wingspan of approximately 34 meters and a length of over 42 meters.

The bomber is powered by a combination of two turbofan engines, the aircraft can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2, allowing it to rapidly cover vast distances. Its maximum takeoff weight surpasses 124,000 kilograms, enabling it to carry a substantial payload of up to 24,000 kilograms of ordnance, including conventional bombs and cruise missiles.

The initial first variant of the aircraft took flight in 1977, while a significantly upgraded Tu-22M3M, boasting enhanced tactical capabilities and an expanded operational range as described by Tupolev, took to the skies for the first time in December 2018.

Russia’s air force has at least 57 Tu-22M3s, according to the 2024 Military Balance report by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems, the Tu-22M3 possesses enhanced navigational and targeting capabilities, ensuring precision in its missions. One of its notable features is the ability to deploy Kh-22 long-range cruise missiles, which have a range of over 600 kilometers and can deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads with precision accuracy.

With its combination of speed, range, and firepower, the Tu-22M3 plays a critical role in Russia’s military strategy, capable of conducting a diverse range of missions, from strategic bombing to reconnaissance and maritime patrol.

According to the Ukrainian report, military intelligence collaborated with the air force to down the Tu-22M3 bomber using anti-aircraft missiles. The bomber, frequently utilized by Russia and capable of carrying nuclear warheads, is often used to deploy cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets from within Russian airspace.

Increased offensive

Recently, Russia has initiated offensive actions in southern and eastern Ukraine, capitalizing on improved weather conditions and delays in the delivery of military equipment from Western nations to Kyiv.

Although Russia possesses a significantly more advanced air force compared to Ukraine, the presence of sophisticated missile systems supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies poses a significant threat to Russian aviation.

Previously, Ukrainian claims of shooting down Russian warplanes during their more than two-year war have met with silence or denials from Moscow.

In January, the Ukrainian air force claimed responsibility for downing a Russian early warning and control aircraft, along with a pivotal command center plane responsible for relaying crucial information to ground troops, marking a notable setback for Kremlin forces. The following month, Ukraine reported another successful takedown of an early warning and control aircraft.

Also in January, Moscow leveled accusations against Kyiv, alleging that a Russian military transport plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war en route for a prisoner exchange was shot down by Ukrainian forces.

One day after Ukraine claimed to shoot down the strategic bomber, Russian troops launched seven missiles from the Belgorod region and the Black Sea toward targets within Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that its air-defense systems successfully intercepted two Kinzhal-guided air missiles. Additionally, three Russian reconnaissance drones were brought down by Ukrainian forces.