Ukraine’s military intelligence has reported that they have successfully shot down a Russian Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber. This marks the first time Ukraine has achieved such a feat since Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of the country.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR) announced on Friday that it successfully eliminated a strategic long-range bomber that had conducted a missile attack on Ukraine during the night of April 19.
The Ukraine Air Force coordinated the operation, targeting an aircraft that Russia has been accused of using to bomb Ukraine. The strike took place in southern Russia, approximately 200 miles away from the Ukrainian border.
“In a groundbreaking achievement, the Air Force’s anti-aircraft missile units, in collaboration with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, successfully neutralized a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber. This particular aircraft serves as a platform for the deployment of Kh-22 cruise missiles, which are commonly employed by Russian terrorists to carry out attacks on innocent Ukrainian cities,” declared Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk in an official statement.
The Tu-22M3 is a highly capable aircraft specifically built for engaging both ground and sea targets using a variety of guided missiles and bombs. It is commonly referred to as the Backfire by NATO.
A video circulating on social media shows a Tu-22M3 engulfed in flames as it plummets to the ground.
The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified by Business Insider regarding its time and location.
Ukraine has achieved a significant milestone by successfully eliminating a Russian strategic bomber, marking the first time such an accomplishment has been made since the commencement of Russia’s extensive invasion.
According to Russian state media, the Russian Ministry of Defense had previously stated that a Tu-22M3 aircraft crashed in a “deserted area” as a result of a “technical malfunction.” However, GUR’s statement contradicts this claim.
According to Stavropol Governor Vladimir Vladimirov, the plane crashed in the Krasnogvardeysky District of the region. Vladimirov stated that two pilots managed to eject from the aircraft safely. Unfortunately, a third pilot lost their life in the incident, while a fourth pilot is currently missing.
According to Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, a second Russian aircraft had to return to its base after the initial one was shot down.
Yusov stated that Ukraine was spared from another round of missile launches.
The Ukrainian air defense has consistently targeted the Tu-22M3, as it plays a crucial role in Russian operations. Russian forces frequently employ the Tu-22M3, equipped with powerful AS-4 heavy anti-ship or Kh-22 cruise missiles, to conduct airstrikes on Ukraine. According to The National Interest, in 2022, Russia utilized the Tu-22M3 to relentlessly bombard the city of Mariupol, despite its already precarious state.
According to Ukraine’s chief spy, Kyrylo Budanov, in August of last year, intelligence assessments indicated that Russia’s Tu-22M3 fleet consisted of 27 operational aircraft.
