A Russian supersonic bomber destroyed in a single drone strike

On 9th April, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence announced on X (formerly Twitter): a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber, carrying Kh-22 missiles, was destroyed by Ukrainian armed forces.

A single drone strike was enough to neutralise the aircraft, estimated to be worth nearly $100 million. "A few days ago, our successful actions led to the destruction of a strategic Tu-22M3 bomber," Ukrainian authorities wrote on X. "It had just landed and our drone struck it. Estimated cost: around $100 million."

Developed in the 1960s

Notably, the Tu-22M is a long-range supersonic strategic missile bomber with variable-sweep wing geometry, according to The Independent. The aircraft was developed in the 1960s by the Tupolev design bureau. The Russian military frequently uses it in strikes against Ukraine.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: The Independent - Illustration: ©Unsplash)