For the first time, Ukraine has destroyed a strategic Russian bomber Tu-22M3. British intelligence analyzed the operation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, informs the Ministry of Defense of Britain on X.
According to the summary, the Russian aircraft Tu-22M3 was destroyed using S-200 missiles. This was another successful attack by Ukraine against the Russian Air Force.
"This system was likely the same system used to shoot down the Russian A-50 MAINSTAY on 23 February 2024," British intelligence notes.
In Britain, it was emphasized that this is the first case of Ukrainian air defense destroying a Russian bomber.
"It is highly likely that Russia has now sustained at least 100 fixed-wing combat aircraft looses to date," the British Ministry of Defense believes.
Destruction of Tu-22M3
On the night of April 19, the Ukrainian Air Force, together with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, conducted an operation to destroy the Russian strategic bomber Tu-22M3.
This is the first time since the start of the full-scale war that our defenders have shot down an aircraft of this type. In addition, anti-aircraft gunners shot down two Kh-22 missiles for the first time.
The destroyed Tu-22M3 was striking Ukraine and was "brought down" 300 km from Ukraine. The Tu-22M3 was shot down by the S-200 missile system. The system was modified by specialists from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.
Learn more about this Tu-22M3 aircraft and the Kh-22 missiles in the RBC-Ukraine material.
