The Russians lost a Tu-22M3 after a drone attack

20 August, 2023 Burning Tu-22M3 at Soltsi Air Base. Photo from social media During a drone attack on the Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region, Russia lost at least one Tu-22M3 bomber.

The photos were published in Russian social media. The photo, most likely taken by one of the airbase's servicemen, shows a bomber engulfed in flames. Militarnyi reported that on August 19, Russia reported an attack on a military airfield.

The Tu-22M3 landing site at the Soltsy air base according to identified characteristics

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed this information, stating that one aircraft was damaged.

However, at the same time, Russian Telegram channels claimed that two bombers were damaged. The Russians claim that the air base was attacked by a single drone around 10:00 a.m. Moscow time.

According to the Russians, the drone was allegedly detected by the airfield's external surveillance post, after which it was fired upon with small arms in an attempt to shoot it down.

Most likely, the Kh-22 missile at the Soltsy air base, August 20, 2022. Photo credits: Maxar Technologies

After the drone crashed or hit the targeted object, a fire broke out, which was allegedly quickly extinguished. No casualties among the invaders reported.

Some time after the strike on the airfield, at least two Tu-22M3 bombers took off from the airfield.

According to preliminary data, the bombers are being relocated to the Olenya air base in the Murmansk region.

The Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers are the carriers of the Kh-22 cruise missiles that Russians use to attack civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.