Tu-22 M3 Crash Russian Bomber Siberia News — A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber plunges into a wooded area near the Angara River in Siberia's Irkutsk region, sending a massive column of smoke into the sky.

Tu-22M3 Crash Siberia Kills One as Crew Ejects Safely

Tu-22M3 Crash Siberia — What We Know About the Irkutsk Bomber Incident

By Desk Assistant On Jun 16, 2026

Siberia – (Web Desk) – A Tu-22M3 crash in Siberia has put Russia’s aging bomber fleet back in the spotlight. The aircraft went down in the Irkutsk region on Monday, June 15, during a routine training flight. All four crew members ejected before impact, but one pilot died after landing.

The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the crash. It said the bomber was not carrying any weapons at the time. The jet was on its way down to land when the incident happened.

Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobsev said early findings suggest engine failure caused the crash. Videos shared on social media show the aircraft nosediving into trees near the Angara River, followed by a large cloud of black smoke.

This is the third time a Tu-22M3 has crashed in the Irkutsk region in recent years. Similar accidents happened in August 2024 and April 2025. The pattern raises serious questions about the condition of Russia’s long-range bomber fleet.

BREAKING:
A Russian Tu-22M3 Strategic Bomber has crashed in the Irkutsk Oblast of Russia. pic.twitter.com/XL5kmFjmzC

— WarMonitor🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@WarMonitor3) June 15, 2026

Russia currently operates around 40 to 50 active Tu-22M3 bombers. Each aircraft costs roughly $100 million. The jet has been used in combat operations in both Syria and Ukraine, mainly to fire Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles at ground targets.

The crash comes at a sensitive time. Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are gaining momentum, following a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. President Trump recently held talks with both Putin and Zelensky, raising hopes for a broader settlement.