Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Irkutsk Oblast: all crew eject safely

A Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in Irkutsk Oblast on Monday, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed, with all crew members ejecting safely before impact.

The incident occurred as the aircraft approached for landing at an undisclosed airbase in the Siberian region, according to multiple reports published on 15 June 2026. The Defence Ministry stated that the crew ejected and were unharmed, though no further details about their condition or identities were immediately released . OSINT analysts from the Ukrainian community CyberBoroshno later confirmed the crash through photographs and videos, corroborating the Defence Ministry’s account .

Russian state media and international outlets, including Interfax and Reuters, also reported the crash, describing it as a training flight gone awry. The Tu-22M3, a long-range supersonic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, has been a cornerstone of Russia’s strategic air fleet since the Cold War era . The Defence Ministry did not specify whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors, and no independent investigation has yet been announced.

The crash follows a pattern of recent incidents involving Russian military aircraft. In April 2026, a Russian Su-34 fighter jet crashed in Belgorod Oblast during a combat mission, killing both pilots . While the Defence Ministry has not linked the two events, the frequency of such accidents has raised questions about maintenance standards and operational readiness within Russia’s air force.

Local authorities in Irkutsk Oblast have not issued statements regarding damage on the ground, and no civilian casualties have been reported. The crash site remains under investigation, with Russian defence officials coordinating with local emergency services. The Tu-22M3 fleet, numbering in the dozens, remains in active service despite its age, with upgrades periodically introduced to extend its operational lifespan.

For now, the Defence Ministry has confirmed only that the crew survived and that the aircraft was destroyed on impact. Further details are expected in the coming hours as investigations progress.