Russian pilot offered Italian citizenship for hijacking Tu-22M3

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced that it has foiled an attempt by Ukrainian special services to recruit a Russian pilot to hijack a Tu-22M3 supersonic strategic bomber, the Russian news agency Interfax reported, citing an FSB statement.

According to the FSB Public Affairs Center, “The Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation has foiled another attempt by Ukrainian special services to conduct an operation aimed at hijacking a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces. This operation allegedly involved the participation of NATO intelligence services in its planning and execution,” The FSB reported on Monday.

Intelligence agencies also said that Ukrainian intelligence tried to recruit a Russian military pilot by promising him money and Italian citizenship, in an attempt to convince him to fly the missile carrier over Ukrainian territory. “During the operational exercise, Russian counterintelligence officers collected information that allowed our armed forces to fire on the Ozernoe airport of the Ukrainian armed forces,” noted the FSB.

The first attempt took place in 2022

In the summer of 2022, the FSB claimed to have foiled a similar operation orchestrated by Ukrainian special services. According to the intelligence agency, Ukrainian military intelligence officers, allegedly acting on orders from their political leadership, attempted to recruit Russian military pilots by offering them financial compensation and the promise of European citizenship.

Rossiya-24 (VGTRK) reported that these Ukrainian intelligence agents aimed to recruit Russian pilots to acquire Su-24, Su-34 aircraft and the Tu-22M3 supersonic missile carrier.

About Tu-22M3

The Tu-22M3, also known by its NATO reporting name “Backfire-C”, The Tu-22M is a long-range strategic bomber and maritime attack aircraft developed by the Soviet Union and currently in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. It is an advanced variant of the original Tu-22M series, designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

In terms of dimensions, the Tu-22M3 has a length of approximately 42.46 meters (139 ft), a wingspan of 34.28 meters (112 ft) when fully extended, and a height of approximately 11.05 meters (36 ft). The variable-sweep wing design allows adjustments to the wing configuration to optimize performance at different speeds and altitudes.

The Tu-22M3’s propulsion system consists of two NK-25 afterburning turbofan engines, each capable of producing up to 25,000 kg of thrust. This powerful engine configuration allows the bomber to reach a maximum speed of about Mach 1.88 (2,000 km/h) and provides a combat range of about 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) without refueling.

Extended operational capabilities

The technical characteristics of the Tu-22M3 include advanced avionics and navigation systems, a crew of four (pilot, co-pilot, navigator and weapons systems officer) and a maximum takeoff weight of about 126,400 kilograms (278,900 lb). The aircraft is equipped with terrain-following radar, electronic countermeasures (ECM) and a sophisticated targeting system.

The Tu-22M3 is equipped with a wide variety of weapons, making it a versatile platform for different mission profiles. Its armament includes Kh-22 (AS-4 “Kitchen”) and Kh-32 long-range anti-ship missiles, Kh-15 (AS-16 “Kickback”) short-range nuclear missiles, and conventional bombs. The bomber can carry up to 24,000 kilograms (52,910 lb) of ordnance in its internal bomb bay and on external hardpoints.

The Tu-22M3’s operational capabilities are extensive, allowing it to perform strategic bombing, maritime strike and reconnaissance missions. It can operate in all weather conditions, day and night, and can penetrate heavily defended airspace. The aircraft’s long range and high-speed performance make it a formidable asset for power projection and deterrence.

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