Ukrainian drone delivers $100 million blow to Russian bomber
"And our drone hit it. The cost is about $100 million," reported Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was speaking about the successful strike on the valuable Russian Tu-22M3 aircraft, which fell victim to a Ukrainian drone.
Recently, Ukrainians have celebrated their success in destroying three Buk air defence systems within 12 hours. Now, the Ukrainian army adds the destruction of the long-range Tu-22M3 bomber to its list of accomplishments. "A few days ago, our successful operations destroyed a Tu-22M3 bomber plane. Just as it landed, it was hit by our drone," said Oleksandr Syrskyi. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian forces estimated the cost of this aircraft to be around 100 million dollars.
The Russians lost a Tu-22M3. Ukrainians conducted an attack
Let us explain that the mentioned long-range bombers, like the Tu-22M3 and other machines of this type (including the Tu-95MS), have recently been relocated by the Russian Federation's army as far away from Ukraine as possible in recent weeks. By doing so, the Russians might be trying to defend against attacks by Ukrainian long-range drones. As history has shown, these drones can cover even several hundred kilometres to reach the target and execute a successful strike on enemy territory.
For the Russians, such bombers are very valuable as they allow for bombing essentially the entire territory of Ukraine after departing from an airbase situated far from the frontline (thanks to the aircraft's long range).
Tu-22M3 bombers are technologically advanced machines. Their design allows them to carry out missions over several thousand kilometres, making them highly effective in long-range operations.
Although details regarding their armament are not widely available, it is known that these machines are often used in operations requiring significant firepower. Their ability to carry advanced missiles makes them a key element in large military operations where enormous striking power is necessary. The armament of these bombers is housed in a single bomb bay and four weapon-mounted stations. Additionally, a GSz-23 aircraft gun is located in the tail of the aircraft.
