In June 2026, a Tu-22M3 long-range bomber crashed in the Irkutsk Oblast of the russian federation. According to russian sources, both NK-25 engines—production of which had been discontinued back in 1996—failed one after another during the flight.
Experts believe that similar accidents will continue to occur due to engine wear and tear, writes Defense Express.
What happened to the aircraft during the flight?
The Tu-22M3 was conducting test flights at a training range when one of its engines failed. While returning to the airbase, the second engine also stopped working. After losing speed, the aircraft crashed. The official cause of the crash has not yet been announced.
What engines does the Tu-22M3 use?
The Tu-22M3 is equipped with two NK-25 turbojet engines, which were developed in the 1970s. Serial production of these engines ended in 1996, so all aircraft of this type use engines manufactured more than three decades ago.
Repair and maintenance of the NK-25 are complicated by the fact that the supply of engines and components is limited to the quantities produced before production ceased.
When other Tu-22M3 aircraft crashed?
The crash in June 2026 was the third in the Irkutsk Oblast over the past two years. One Tu-22M3 crashed in August 2024, and another in April 2025. In both cases, technical causes were officially cited for the crashes.
Also, in 2019, one of the Tu-22M3s made an emergency landing after an NK-25 engine failure.
Were these aircraft modernized?
Russia considered two options for resolving the problem with these aircraft’s powerplants. The first involved resuming production of the NK-25. The second involved installing NK-32-2 engines, which are used on Tu-160 strategic bombers.
To implement the second option, plans were made to upgrade the Tu-22M3 to the Tu-22M3M version. The program called for replacing a significant portion of the avionics, expanding the range of weapons, and installing an in-flight refueling system.
It was previously announced that 30 aircraft would be upgraded to the Tu-22M3M standard by 2021–2022. However, as of mid-2026, only two prototype aircraft—unveiled in 2018 and 2023—are known to exist.
At the same time, there have been no reports of NK-32-2 engines being installed on these aircraft. According to available data, both prototypes continue to use the NK-25.
Production of the NK-32-2 resumed in 2016 after approximately ten years of development. These engines are used for the Tu-160M modernization and production program.
It is estimated that russia has about ten combat-ready Tu-22M3s in service, so even if they are retrofitted with new engines, this process could take years.
As a reminder, on June 15, a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber—capable of carrying cruise missiles and nuclear weapons—crashed in the Irkutsk Oblast of russia, the aggressor state.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.