Russia deploys 16 bombers near Ukraine: Missile strike imminent?
The aircraft are capable of carrying Kh-22 and Kh-32 missiles, which may indicate preparations for a potential massive strike.
Tu-22M3 / © Defense express
Russia has redeployed 16 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from the Far East to the Olenya airbase in Murmansk region, approximately 1,800 km from the Ukrainian border. These aircraft can carry Kh-22 and Kh-32 supersonic cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 km.
This is reported by monitoring channels.
Initially, 9 aircraft were recorded; later their number increased to 16.
The maximum combat radius of the Tu-22M3 with a 12,000 kg payload is 2,410 km, which potentially allows strikes on Ukrainian targets.
Due to their high speed and high-altitude flight profile, Kh-22/Kh-32 missiles are extremely difficult for air defenses to intercept.
Despite relatively low accuracy, they carry a massive warhead and can cause significant destruction.
The redeployment of the bombers may indicate preparations for a potential large-scale missile strike.