What Caused the Crash of the Russian Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber?
The Russian Aerospace Forces have lost another valuable aircraft with the loss of a Tu-22M3 which crashed near Stavropol Krai. This is the first confirmed loss of a Russian strategic bomber during combat operations. From the video and pictures shared via various social media outlets the starboard side of the bomber appeared to be fire while it descended in a flat spin.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have since claimed responsibility for shooting down the strategic bomber. With the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (the GUR), stating that the: “aircraft was shot down at a distance of about 300 kilometers from Ukraine by the same means that were previously used to shoot down the Russian A-50.”
The Tu-22M has been instrumental in launching strikes on Ukraine, launching more than 300 Kh-22 long range missiles, until now outside the range of Ukrainian air defenses. Following the crash the Russian Ministry of Defense released a statement claiming that the aircraft had crashed after it suffered a technical malfunction on its return to base after completing its combat mission.
Reports speculate that the Ukrainian air defense force’s used a modified S-200 system which has previously been suggested as the weapon which downed a Russian A-50. The maximum range of that modified missile is not known, but the standard maximum range of S-200 variants varies from around 250 to 300km, the claim remains unverifiable for the time being.
In recent weeks attacks on the Ukrainian infrastructure have intensified, with a massive attack on Dnipro taking place this week. Russian aviation seems to be taking advantage of the weakening Ukrainian air defenses. After the recent loss of a Patriot missile defense battery in March and the exhaustion of some anti-air missile stocks, more and more strikes seem to be successful and find their targets. Similarly, Russian reconnaissance drones have also increasingly penetrated deep behind Ukrainian lines. The frontline units are being pounded with FAB bombs equipped with UPMK modules, while cruise missiles strike the logistical hubs and areas behind the line.
Ukraine is still awaiting on the delivery of the first F-16 multirole fighter jets from Europe as well as renewed US military transfers. For now Ukraine will have to use the capabilities and assets it has at hand to keep Russian forces at bay. If Ukraine did indeed succeed in downing a Tu-22M3 at long range, within its typical operating area then it remains to be seen if that success can be repeated.
Cover picture by Dmitry Terekhov under CC BY-SA 2.0 License