Defense experts reveal Russia's Tu-22 bomber numbers
The crash of a Tu-22M3 long-range bomber in the Irkutsk region is a major setback for Russia, which has not produced these aircraft since 1993, with an estimated 30 to 57 still in service, Defense Express reported on Aug. 16.
According to Defense Express, analysts note that while Russia lists 57 Tu-22 aircraft on paper, it planned to modernize only up to 30 to the Tu-22M3M level, making this number fairly accurate.
The loss of at least two bombers and damage to others have reduced their operational use to isolated incidents. Russia faces challenges in restoring these aircraft, particularly with the engines, as the NK-25 engines have not been produced since 1996.
Efforts to modernize the Tu-22M3M with NK-32 engines from the Tu-160 have not yet materialized. The August 15 crash of a Tu-22M bomber in Irkutsk was attributed to a technical malfunction, resulting in one pilot's death and the ejection of the remaining crew, according to TASS and the Irkutsk governor Igor Kobzev.
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