Russian supersonic bomber crashes in Siberia during training exercise

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in the Irkutsk region of Siberia on April 19, 2024, during a routine training flight. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft crashed after returning to its home base. All three crew members aboard the bomber were killed in the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash was not caused by a missile strike, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The Tu-22M3 is a supersonic, swept-wing, long-range strategic and tactical bomber developed in the Soviet Union. It has been in service with the Russian Air Force since 1989 and has been used in various conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. This incident marks the second loss of a Tu-22M3 bomber for Russia in 2024, following another crash in January.