Ukrainian air defense units achieved a historic feat by successfully downing a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber for the first time, as announced by Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on April 19. This incident marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, showcasing the strength and effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense. The call for enhanced international assistance to bolster their defenses against Russian attacks has also been emphasized.
The incident unfolded when the Russian aircraft, returning from an offensive operation over Ukraine, crashed in the Stavropol Krai region of Russia on the morning of April 19. Stavropol Krai Governor Vladimir Vladimirov reported that two pilots ejected from the bomber, with one confirmed dead and another missing. Contrarily, the Russian Defense Ministry attributed the crash to a “technical malfunction” following the completion of a combat mission, as per statements in Russian state-controlled media.
“For the first time, the anti-aircraft missile units of the (Ukrainian) Air Force, in cooperation with Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber – the carrier of Kh-22 cruise missiles, which the Russian terrorists use to attack peaceful Ukrainian cities,” Oleshchuk said.
Ukraine’s military intelligence and Air Force present a different story, asserting the bomber was shot down approximately 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border using the same defense systems previously employed to down a Russian A-50 surveillance plane. The Ukrainian Air Force in cooperation with the Main Directorate of Intelligence made the claim that a Soviet-era S-200 anti-air system, regarded as largely obsolete, was used to intercept the bomber.
The destruction of the Tu-22M3 is not only a first for Ukraine but also a significant setback for Russia, as the bomber is a carrier of Kh-22 cruise missiles which have been used in attacks on Ukrainian cities. This successful defensive action by Ukraine also reportedly led to another Russian aircraft abandoning its mission. Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, “It means that another series of missiles was not launched at Ukraine,” thereby potentially preventing further casualties and destruction.
The successful downing of the bomber came amidst a broader air assault from Russia, which resulted in casualties and extensive damage in the Dnipro region. In the wake of these attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the need for more air defense aid from international partners, stating that every system provided helps to save lives in cities under siege.
“Every state that provides air-defense systems to Ukraine, every leader who helps convince partners that air defense should now not be in warehouses, but in real cities and communities that are under attack by terrorists, everyone who supports our defense is a lifesaver,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following the strikes.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has indicated efforts are underway to supply Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities, and the U.S. is anticipated to vote on a significant military aid package.
Relevant articles:
– Air Force: Ukraine downs Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for first time
– Ukraine successfully shoots down first Russian strategic bomber, POLITICO Europe, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:13:00 GMT
– Ukraine says it shot down Russian strategic bomber after strike kills nine, Al Jazeera English, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:18:09 GMT
– Ukraine says it took out one of Russia’s supersonic strategic bombers for the first time, Business Insider, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:53:00 GMT