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3w ago

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

The crash, caused by a technical malfunction, marks the fifth loss of this bomber type since 2022, highlighting the strain on Russia's aging air fleet during the Ukraine conflict.

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Overview

  • A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed near the village of Buret in the Irkutsk region on April 2, 2025, during a scheduled flight.
  • The crash was attributed to a technical malfunction, confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense and regional governor Igor Kobzev.
  • One pilot died after ejecting, while the remaining crew members survived; no ground casualties were reported as the crash occurred in a deserted area.
  • The incident caused a fire and damaged power lines, leading to power outages in the surrounding area.
  • This is the fifth Tu-22M bomber lost since 2022, representing nearly 10% of Russia's pre-war fleet, underscoring operational challenges amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.