The Russian Defence Ministry has announced the flight of three long-range Tu-22M3 bombers to Syria. This is the first time this type of aircraft has been based at the Khmeimim airfield
“The long-range bomber crews will acquire practical skills for practicing training tasks in new geographical areas during flights in airspace over the Mediterranean Sea. The reconstruction of the second runway has been completed at the Hmeimimim airbase with a complete replacement of the pavement and installation of new lighting and radio equipment”, – the defence ministry said.
The Tu-22M3s have previously been flown to Syria on numerous occasions to destroy fortified positions, manpower and equipment of international terrorists. However, for the first time, the long-range bombers will be deployed there on a permanent basis.
“After completing all assigned training tasks, the long-range bombers will return to airfields permanently based in the territory of the Russian Federation”, – the Russian Defence Ministry stressed.
The Tu 22 M3 is a strategic multi-mode supersonic missile-carrying bomber which is designed to engage supersonic guided missiles against naval and ground targets by day and night, in all weather conditions.