The Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate announced the downing of a Tu-22MZ bomber (video)

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine reported that for the first time it was possible to shoot down a Russian carrier of Kh-22 cruise missiles, a Tu-22MZ bomber at a distance of 300 kilometers from the borders of Ukraine.

GUR press service reports:

“One of the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, which carried out a missile attack against Ukraine on the night of April 19, was shot down as a result of a special operation by the Main Intelligence Directorate in cooperation with the Air Force.”

Intelligence officials note that the plane was shot down at a distance of about 300 kilometers from Ukraine using the same means that previously hit the Russian A-50 long-range radar detection and control aircraft. As a result of the defeat, the bomber was able to fly to the Stavropol area, where it fell and crashed. In the message it says:

“We note that this is the first successful destruction of a strategic bomber in the air during a combat mission during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”

Earlier media reportedthat on April 19, 2024, a Tu-22M3 missile-carrying bomber crashed in the Stavropol Territory of the Russian Federation – Russia uses such aircraft to launch attacks on Ukraine. According to operational data from the Russian Federation, the pilots ejected, one of the crew died, two are in the hospital, and they are looking for a fourth.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, after completing a combat mission, a Tu-22M3 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed while returning to its home airfield in the Stavropol Territory. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that there was no ammunition on board, there was no destruction on the ground, writes TASS.

One of the crew members of the plane that crashed in the Krasnogvardeisky district of the Stavropol Territory died. The search for the fourth pilot continues, he said. Telegram channel Governor of the region Vladimir Vladimirov.