| Tu-22M | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-22M3 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Strategic bomber/Maritime strike |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces
|
| Number built | 497 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1967–1993 |
| Introduction date | 1972 |
| First flight | 30 August 1969 |
| Developed from | Tupolev Tu-22 |
The Tupolev Tu-22M (Russian: Туполев Ту-22М; NATO reporting name: Backfire) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s. The bomber was reported as being designated Tu-26 by Western intelligence at one time.[1] During the Cold War, the Tu-22M was operated by the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) in a missile carrier strategic bombing role, and by the Soviet Naval Aviation (Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskogo Flota, AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role.[2]
In 2024, the Russian Air Force had 57 aircraft in service, according to the 2024 Military Balance report by International Institute for Strategic Studios.[3] In 2023, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence estimated that Russia had 27 aircraft in operable condition.[4]
- ^ Air International October 1980, p. 188
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
vectorsitewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "What is the Russian bomber plane that Ukraine says it shot down?". Reuters. 19 April 2024.
- ^ "Intelligence chief: Russia has 27 operable Tu-22M3 bombers left following recent strikes". The Kyiv Independent. 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2024-08-15.