On August 26th, Russia carried out its most extensive long-range strike on Ukraine to date, deploying at least 127 missiles and 109 drones. An unexpected element in this attack was the involvement of Tu-95 strategic bombers, which launched their cruise missiles from the Volgograd region and the Caspian Sea.
Ukraine’s Air Force Command announced that a total of 77 Kh-101 cruise missiles penetrated Ukraine’s airspace. Around 5 am, threat reports indicated that 11 Tu-95MS aircraft were active.
Each Tu-95 bomber was equipped with seven cruise missiles, meaning it’s highly likely that each aircraft had a full load of eight X-101 missiles. To clarify, up to six Kh-55/Kh-555-type missiles can be housed within the internal drum launcher of the Tu-95. However, since the Kh-101 missiles are larger and do not fit into the internal drum, external pylons are utilized for their launch.
Historically, a single Tu-95 typically launches between one to three missiles. For instance, on the night of March 21, 2024, a group of 11 Tu-95 bombers released a total of 29 missiles. Most recently, on August 27, the Air Force reported that several Tu-95 bombers were involved in an attack, releasing five Kh-101 missiles.
So, seeing the Tu-95 fully loaded is indeed a rare sight for the Russian Federation. It’s believed that using strategic bombers with minimal combat load helps reduce the wear and tear on these machines. Therefore, deciding to load them to full capacity likely required additional permissions from higher-ups, or might have come directly from the Kremlin.
Another unexpected occurrence in the August 26 missile attack involved the Tu-22M3. This aircraft launched Kh-22 missiles from the airspace over the Voronezh region. Interestingly, around 8 AM yesterday, Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting six Tu-22M3 aircraft.
Interestingly, reports indicate that only three Kh-22 missiles were fired, with just one being shot down. Given that each Tu-22M3 can carry up to three Kh-22 missiles, this implies a potential total salvo of up to 18 missiles. Typically, these aircraft carry one or two missiles each, and their deployment has been quite sporadic.
According to a Ukrainian source, a possible reason for this discrepancy could be that Russian pilots faced malfunctions or that Ukraine’s Defense Forces successfully countered the launches. Alternatively, some Kh-22 missiles might have ended up in the Voronezh region.
Western analysts and military experts hold diverse opinions on Russia’s T-22 and Tu-95 bombers, recognizing their mix of outdated design and persistent effectiveness in specific missions.
The Tu-95, known to NATO as “Bear,” is often seen as a relic, tracing its roots back to the early Cold War period. However, despite its vintage status, the Tu-95 continues to play a vital role in Russia’s strategic arsenal, thanks to a series of modern upgrades.
For instance, U.S. military analysts recognize that equipping the Tu-95 with KH-55 air-launched cruise missiles [ALCMs] grants it a “formidable new lease on life” in the 21st century. These missiles are remarkably capable, boasting a range of 2,000 miles and the ability to fly at Mach 2.8, which makes them challenging to intercept by modern air defense systems.
Western experts also point out that, despite the Tu-95 being slow and vulnerable to modern fighters, its capacity to carry and launch long-range, stealthy cruise missiles enables it to operate effectively from a safe distance outside enemy defenses. This strategic advantage has led some analysts to believe that the Tu-95 will continue to pose a significant threat for many years to come.
Regarding the Tu-22M3 bomber, Western analysts consider it a powerful yet aging system. The Tu-22M was engineered for long-range maritime strike missions and can carry anti-ship missiles, posing a substantial threat to naval forces. Nevertheless, like the Tu-95, it faces challenges due to its age and the emergence of more advanced air defense systems and stealth aircraft.
In summary, although the Tu-95 and Tu-22 bombers may appear outdated in some respects, their ability to carry modern long-range missiles ensures they remain a relevant and formidable part of Russia’s strategic arsenal.
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