Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashes during training flight
Desk Report
| Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Photo: Moscow Times
A Russian strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in Siberia’s Irkutsk region, the Interfax news agency reported Monday, citing Russia’s Defense Ministry.
A video shared by outlets with links to Russia’s security services captured the Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber nosediving into the ground, followed by a thick plume of smoke rising from the site of the impact.
The aircraft was not carrying any warheads and was descending for landing when it crashed, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The crew ejected, the Defense Ministry said, adding that the pilots were safe and that there was no damage on the ground.
Unverified reports suggested the crash occurred near the town of Svirsk, which lies around 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of the Belaya air force base.
Belaya hosts the 220th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment, which is made up of Tu-22M3 and Tu-95 bombers.
Source: The Moscow Times