Russian Long-Range Bomber Destroyed in Ukrainian Drone Strike
Reports indicate that a flagship Russian long-range bomber, a Tupolev Tu-22, has been destroyed in a drone strike carried out by Ukraine. Images shared on social media depict the aircraft ablaze at Soltsy-2 airbase, located south of St Petersburg.
Moscow stated that a drone was targeted by small-arms fire, which reportedly led to “damage” to the plane. On the other hand, Ukraine has not provided any official comment regarding the incident.
The Tu-22 bomber is capable of reaching twice the speed of sound and has been extensively used by Russia for attacks on Ukrainian cities.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the attack involving a “copter-type UAV” occurred at approximately 10:00 Moscow time. The attack location was specified as a military airfield in the Novgorod region, where Soltsy-2 is situated. The ministry claimed that the UAV was detected and shot at by the airfield’s observation outpost using small-arms fire. As a result of this action, one airplane was damaged, and there were no casualties reported.
Images circulated on Telegram, a social media platform, displayed a significant fire engulfing a jet resembling the distinctive Tu-22. These images were analyzed by BBC Verify and deemed credible.
Although the destruction of a single aircraft may not significantly impact Russia’s 60-strong fleet, this event underscores Kyiv’s growing capability to target deep within Russian territory. Over recent months, Kyiv has launched numerous fixed-wing unmanned aircraft for attacks on Moscow, a distance spanning several hundred miles. Soltsy-2 is approximately 400 miles (650km) from the Ukrainian border.
The Russian Ministry of Defence referred to the drone as a “copter-type UAV,” suggesting it may have been an affordable, commercially available device launched from short range.
The Tu-22, codenamed “Backfire” by NATO, is a Cold War-era, swing-wing supersonic bomber. Modern versions like the Tu-22M3 can attain speeds of Mach 2 (2,300km/h or 1,430mph) and can carry up to 24,000kg of weaponry, including homing missiles and “dumb bombs.” These bombers have been engaged in various conflicts, including Syria, Chechnya, Georgia, and most recently, Ukraine.
In a prior incident, prosecutors in Kyiv reported that a missile launched from a Tu-22 resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals when it struck a residential building in Dnipro in January. They attributed the attack to Russia’s 52nd Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment, stationed at Soltsy-2.
On a related note, Ukraine’s defence intelligence service spokesperson announced the damaging of another military aircraft through a drone attack in Russia’s Kaluga region. Russian media acknowledged the attack but refuted claims of any resulting damage.
