Russian Tu-22M3 Bomber Crashes in Irkutsk Region, One Pilot Killed

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Russia on April 2, according to the Russian Telegram channel Mash on April 2.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in the Irkutsk region. The aircraft reportedly went down in an unpopulated area, causing no damage on the ground.

The ministry stated that the crew ejected from the aircraft, but one pilot was killed. The preliminary cause of the crash is believed to be a technical malfunction.

The Tu-22M3 is a long-range supersonic bomber developed during the Soviet era. It is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons and is primarily used by Russia for strike missions, including launching Kh-22 supersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine.

Preliminary reports indicate that four crew members were on board. During the crash, the aircraft struck a power line, causing power outages in two nearby villages.

Earlier on March 24, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in coordination with military intelligence and artillery units, used a HIMARS system to destroy four Russian helicopters—two Ka-52s and two Mi-8s—at a field airstrip in Belgorod.

The strike, which caused an estimated $52 million in losses, targeted the helicopters during maintenance and refueling.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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