In a tragic incident, a Tu-22M3 bomber aircraft crashed in the Usolsky district of the Irkutsk region on April 2, 2025, near the village of Buret. The aircraft, which was on a routine flight, encountered a technical malfunction that led to the crash, according to reports from local authorities.
The crew of four managed to eject from the aircraft, but sadly, one pilot lost his life upon landing. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the plane fell around 22:20, and as it descended, it struck a power line, leaving approximately 210 homes and three socially significant facilities without electricity.
Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed that there were no casualties among the civilian population and that the surviving pilots were being treated for their injuries. The local power grid company has been working diligently to restore electricity, with full service expected to resume by the morning of April 3.
This incident marks the second crash of a military aircraft in the Usolsky district within a year. In August 2024, a similar Tu-22M3 bomber went down near Mikhailovka, approximately 20 kilometers from Buret. That crash also resulted from a technical malfunction and raised concerns regarding the safety of aging military aircraft.
The Tu-22M3, known in NATO as the Backfire, is a long-range supersonic missile carrier-bomber designed for engaging both maritime and ground targets. It can carry nuclear and conventional weapons, making it a significant asset in Russia's military arsenal. The aircraft has been in service for decades, with many of the operational models exceeding 30 to 40 years in age.
Experts like Vladimir Kondaurov, a former test pilot and engineer, have pointed out that the aging fleet requires modernization to meet contemporary combat demands. He noted, "The existing Tu-22M3s need to be upgraded to modern warfare standards, especially in terms of avionics and navigation systems. Although they can still fly and engage in combat, their effectiveness is diminished without these upgrades."
Residents of Mikhailovka, who experienced the August crash, shared their memories of that night. Many reported hearing a loud roar as the aircraft went down, with some describing how it exploded upon impact. One local resident recounted, "I could hear the plane getting closer and closer, and then there was a huge explosion. It was terrifying to see the flames lighting up the sky."
Following the recent crash, the scene has been cordoned off by authorities as investigators work to determine the precise cause of the accident. As debris from the aircraft is cleared, residents have expressed their shock and concern over the frequency of such incidents in their area.
Governor Kobzev has stated that the investigation will focus on the technical aspects of the crash, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. He acknowledged the community's fears, saying, "We must ensure the safety of our airspace and the well-being of our citizens. This is a priority for us moving forward."
The Ministry of Defense has also released a statement confirming that the crash was due to a technical malfunction, though further details have yet to be disclosed. The ongoing investigations aim to shed light on the underlying issues that have plagued the Tu-22M3 fleet.
In light of these events, there is growing pressure on the Russian military to address the aging fleet of bombers. The last Tu-22M3s were produced in 1993, and since then, no new models have been manufactured, raising questions about the long-term viability of this aircraft type. As the military continues to rely on these bombers, the call for modernization becomes increasingly urgent.
The implications of this crash extend beyond immediate safety concerns; they touch upon broader issues regarding military preparedness and the efficacy of aging technology in modern warfare. As Russia navigates these challenges, the focus will likely shift towards ensuring that its air force remains capable and safe for its personnel and the public.
In conclusion, the recent crash of the Tu-22M3 bomber near Buret has raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of aging military aircraft. With ongoing investigations and calls for modernization, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Russian military as it seeks to maintain a robust air force in an increasingly complex global landscape.
