Tupolev Tu-22M
| Tu-22M | |
|---|---|
| A Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-22M3 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Strategic bomber/Maritime strike |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces
|
| Number built | 497 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1967–1993 |
| Introduction date | 1972 |
| First flight | 30 August 1969 |
| Developed from | Tupolev Tu-22 |
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The Tupolev Tu-22M (Russian: Туполев Ту-22М; NATO reporting name: Backfire) is a supersonic, variable-sweep wing, long-range strategic and maritime strike bomber developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the 1960s. The bomber was reported as being designated Tu-26 by Western intelligence at one time. During the Cold War, the Tu-22M was operated by the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) in a missile carrier strategic bombing role, and by the Soviet Naval Aviation (Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskogo Flota, AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role.
In 2024, the Russian Air Force had 57 aircraft in service, according to the 2024 Military Balance report by International Institute for Strategic Studies. However, in 2023, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence estimated that Russia had only 27 aircraft in operable condition.