Russian strategic bomber plane crashes in Siberia on training exercise

AI Summary

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Siberia's Irkutsk region during a training exercise, with the crew safely ejecting. The bomber is known for its capability to carry hypersonic 'Kinzhal' missiles and has been used in combat missions in Syria and Ukraine.

MOSCOW, June 15 (Reuters) - A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber plane crashed on Monday in Siberia's Irkutsk region during a training flight, the Russian Defence Ministry said, and the aircraft's crew had managed to safely eject. The Tu-22, which can carry hypersonic "Kinzhal" missiles and is code named "Backfire" by NATO, is a Soviet-era supersonic bomber that Russia has since used for combat missions in Syria and Ukraine.