Ukraine downs Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber for the first time

For the first time since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine shot down a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, as reported by the Air Force. This is a carrier of the Kh-22 cruise missiles used by the Russians to strike peaceful Ukrainian cities.

“Ukraine needs more means, more missiles to defend the front-line territories from Russian terrorism better,” wrote Ukraine’s Air Force.

The missile carrier was targeted during another Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of April 19. Ukrainian defenders likely used a modified version of the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system, claim journalists citing sources in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

“The enemy Tu-22M3 aircraft was successfully shot down approximately 300 kilometers from Ukraine using the same means that previously hit the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft. As a result of the strike, the bomber was able to reach Stavropol Oblast, where it crashed,” wrote Ukrainian intelligence.

Operational data indicates that the pilots ejected, reports Ukrainska Pravda. “Russia launches Kh-22 missiles from Tu-22M3 aircraft. The Mozdok military airfield (North Ossetia, Russia) is located near the border with the Stavropol Krai, where these strategic bombers of Russia’s Aerospace Forces are based,” add the journalists.

The landing of the aircraft results from a special operation by the intelligence and the Air Force, emphasized the intelligence.