Overview
- Russia’s Defence Ministry and Irkutsk governor reported that a Tu‑22M3 crashed during a training flight and the crew successfully ejected on Monday.
- Officials said the aircraft was unarmed and there has been no reported damage or casualties on the ground.
- Circulating video shows the bomber nosediving into a wooded area near the Angara River, though accounts differ on whether the impact was near Kamenka or Svirsk.
- Emergency services and military teams were dispatched to the site and authorities said an investigation into the cause is under way.
- The Tu‑22M3 is a long‑range supersonic bomber that can carry Kh‑22 cruise missiles and air‑launched Kinzhal weapons, making the crash notable for its implications for maintenance and training of Russia’s strategic fleet.