Two Russian Tu-22M3 bombers patrol Belarus airspace

: Aviation Defense News February 2022 aerospace air force industry; Posted On Monday, 07 February 2022 14:13

Two Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers completed a patrol mission in Belarus’ airspace, which lasted about four hours, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on February 5.

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Two Russian Tu 22M3 bombers patrol Belarus airspace 01

Tupolev Tu-22M3 (Picture source: Tupolev)

"Two Tu-22M3 long-range bombers of the Aerospace Forces completed a patrol mission in the Belarusian airspace," the ministry said.

The Defense Ministry clarified that the assigned tasks had been accomplished.

"In the course of their flight, the long-range aircraft practiced joint tasks with the air force and air defense of the Belarusian armed forces," the ministry added.

Having achieved the assigned tasks, the Russian long-range bombers returned to their base in Russia.

At the beginning of last December, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said that in 2022 Belarus and Russia would continue accomplishing joint air defense combat alert missions and air patrols of the Union State’s borders.

About Tu-22M3:

The Tupolev Tu-22M, NATO reporting name Backfire, is a long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by Tupolev for the Soviet Air Force. The aircraft is currently in service with the Russian Air Force and Russian Naval Aviation. The aircraft is primarily used to conduct nuclear strike and conventional attack operations. It can also be deployed in anti-ship and maritime reconnaissance missions.

The Tu-22M3 was introduced with upgraded features to overcome the shortfalls of its predecessor. The aircraft completed its first flight in June 1977 and was inducted into the inventory in 1983. Some of the Tu-22Ms were also modified to Tu-22MR and Tu-22ME standards.

Tu-22M3 has a length of 42.4m, a maximum wingspan of 34.2m, and a height of 11.05m. The empty weight and maximum takeoff weights of the aircraft are 53,500kg and 126,400kg respectively. The aircraft is provided with hardpoints to carry Kh-22stand-off missiles, Kh-15 nuclear or Kh-15P anti-radar missiles and FAB-250 or FAB-1500 free-fall bombs. The wing and fuselage pylons and internal weapons bay are provided with a capacity to carry 24,000kg of weapons payload. The aircraft is also armed with a double-barrelled GSH-23 (23mm) gun in remotely controlled tail turret.