Ukrainian soldiers destroy Russian Tu-22MZ bomber with drone
Photo: Russian Tu-22MZ bomber (Russian media)
Ukrainian military destroys Russian Tu-22MZ bomber. The aircraft, which is a carrier of Kh-22 missiles, was struck with a drone, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi says.
"A few days ago, our successful actions destroyed the long-range bomber Tu-22M3," he said.
According to Syrskyi, the plane "had just landed."
"And our drone hit it. The cost is about $100 million," the general added.
Tu-22MZ
The Tu-22M (NATO reporting name Backfire) is a supersonic long-range strategic bomber-missile carrier with variable wing geometry. Developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s.
It was produced in two main modifications - the Tu-22M2 (decommissioned in the 1990s) and the Tu-22M3, which was produced from 1978 to 1993 and is still in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
In particular, Russian occupiers use it during strikes on Ukraine. It is a carrier of Kh-22 missiles. In addition, for example, on May 9, 2022, three Kinzhal missiles were launched from Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft at civilian facilities in the Odesa region.
Not the first destruction of Tu-22MZ aircraft
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a Russian Tu-22MZ strategic bomber for the first time in mid-April 2024. Two Kh-22 missiles were also destroyed for the first time.
As of the morning of April 9, the Russians had lost 1,270 soldiers, 10 armored combat vehicles, and 4 tanks at the front. In addition, since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Russian occupiers have already lost 370 aircraft of various types.
