Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashes during training flight in Irkutsk region; crew ejects safely

A Tupolev Tu-22M3 has crashed during a training flight in Russia’s Irkutsk region in Siberia, according to reports citing the Russian Defence Ministry.

The aircraft was reportedly approaching landing when it went down, with video footage circulating from sources linked to Russian security services showing the bomber in a steep descent before impact and a subsequent fire at the crash site.

Authorities stated that the aircraft was not carrying any warheads and confirmed that all crew members successfully ejected and survived. No damage on the ground was reported.

Unverified local reports place the crash near Svirsk, approximately 50 kilometres from Belaya air base, which hosts Russia’s 220th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment operating Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 aircraft.

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened military activity in the region, including previous drone attacks on Russian airbases such as Belaya during Ukrainian operations targeting strategic aviation infrastructure.

Source: The Moscow Times.

? NEW FOOTAGE: Close-up video from the crash site of a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber in Irkutsk Oblast shows the aftermath of the aircraft's impact during a reported training flight.Russian officials say the crew ejected before the crash.

Source: Reuters#Russia #Tu22M3… https://t.co/NZLVmYKSnC pic.twitter.com/3PgkDkNZ8T

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