UK intelligence analyzes downing of Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber

This is stated in a report by the UK Defense Ministry.

Experts recall that the downing of one of the bombers was announced by Ukraine's military intelligence, and reports were circulating online that the Tu-22M lost control in the air and subsequently crashed in a field.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the bomber had crashed and that a search and rescue operation was underway, but it did not acknowledge the downing.

UK intelligence is almost certain that the reports of the use of the S-200 missile are true and that it was another successful Ukrainian attack against the Russian Air Force. According to experts, this system is likely to be the same as the one used to shoot down the Russian A-50U on February 23, 2024.

"This is the first instance of a strategic bomber being shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems. It is highly likely that Russia has now sustained at least 100 fixed-wing combat aircraft losses to date," the UK Defense Ministry emphasizes.

• On the morning of April 19, a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber firing Kh-22/Kh-32 missiles at Ukraine crashed in the Stavropol region of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the downing of the aircraft in cooperation with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.