A Russian strategic bomber, which has been used on combat missions in Syria and Ukraine, crashed in Siberia on Monday, June 15.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Tu-22M3 crashed in the Siberian region of Irkutsk during a training flight. The ministry did not share any further details about the accident. All four crew members aboard the bomber ejected safely before the crash occurred.
The plane was flying without combat load. The incident occurred as the plane was descending to land.
The preliminary investigation points to engine failure as a possible cause of the accident, according to Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobsev.
Videos purportedly showing the plane crash were widely circulated on social media. The clip shows the bomber plummeting towards a forested area near the Angara River, producing a huge plume of smoke.
The Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO) manufactures the Tu-M22M3 aircraft for the Russian armed forces, which currently operates between 40 and 50 active strategic bombers. The plane costs around $100 million per unit. It remains one of Russia’s most important long-range attack aircraft.
The development comes amid hopes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, following a cessation of hostilities agreement between the United States (US) and Iran. President Trump had “good conversations” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
