A Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashed in Irkutsk Oblast on April 2, killing the pilot and forcing four crew members to eject, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
The aircraft, which has been valued anywhere from £32 million to £230 million depending on the source, was reportedly on a scheduled flight when it went down in a deserted area.
Local authorities blamed a technical malfunction, while reports suggested it struck a power line, causing blackouts in two villages.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show the burning wreckage of the aircraft.
The Tu-22M3, a key part of Russia’s Air Force, was used in the bombardment of Mariupol in 2022. The incident adds to a growing list of Russian military aircraft crashes, including a Su-25 downed during a training flight in March.
