The Tupolev Tu-22M3 strategic bombers. Source: Vadim Savitsky/TASS
Russia has reportedly redeployed a number of Tu-22M3 long-range, nuclear-capable bombers in Hmeimim Air Base, Syria.
On June 22, Syrian sources shared footage on social media showing at least one Tu-22M3 flying over the coastal province of Lattakia, where the Russian Air Base is located. The footage is yet to be verified.
The Ministry of Defense of Russia has not announced the deployment, yet. If confirmed, this will be the second time the swing-wing bombers are sent to Syria.
RuAF 🇷🇺 Tu-22M3 Latakia 🇸🇾 today.
فيديو حصري ثاني للقـ.ـاذفة الاستـ.ـراتيجية الروسية توبوليف تي يو-22 إم 3 وهي تحـ.ـلق في سماء اللاذقية هذا اليوم. https://t.co/YcwaUguMe2 pic.twitter.com/ViNJ1aA0m9
— SAM 🇸🇾 (@SAMSyria0) June 22, 2021
Tu-22M3 over Latakia 🇸🇾 yesterday, photos with @200_zoka pic.twitter.com/c5TJxYcesa
— SAM 🇸🇾 (@SAMSyria0) June 23, 2021
On May 24, three Tu-22M3 bombers landed for the first time in Hmeimim Air Base following the successful reconstruction and development of the highway. The bombers, which were armed with long-range missiles, conducted an exercise over the Eastern Mediterranean before returning to their home base in Russia.
Click to see full-size image.
The expansion of Hmeimim Air Base runway made the deployment of heavy bombers like the Tu-22M3 possible. The air base can now receive all types of aircraft in service with the Russian military.
The reported redeployment of Tu-22M3 in Syria is not a surprise. The bombers may have been deployed in Hmeimim Air Base to take part in a new exercise.
