Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashes in Siberia during training flight; crew ejects safely
A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in the Irkutsk region on Monday. The crew ejected and survived, with no reported ground damage, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.
On Monday, 15 June 2026, a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in the Irkutsk region of Siberia. The incident occurred during a planned training flight, according to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry relayed by Interfax news agency. The aircraft was flying without armament and caused no damage on the ground.
Crew and immediate aftermath
The ministry reported that the crew managed to eject from the aircraft and survived the crash. No further details on the crew's condition or the cause of the accident have been released. An investigation by Russian authorities is underway.
Video evidence
Unverified footage circulating on social media showed the bomber nose-diving into a densely wooded area near the banks of the Angara river. The impact produced a massive column of smoke. Independent verification of the videos has not yet been confirmed.
Strategic context
This marks the third confirmed Tu-22M3 crash since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a tweet by GeoInsider cited in media reports. Russia is estimated to possess around 50 Tu-22M3 bombers, with roughly 30 considered operational. The Tu-22M3 has been repeatedly used by Russia to launch long-range missile attacks against Ukraine.
