View source for Tupolev Tu-22M

{{Short description|Russian long-range supersonic strategic bomber}}
{{For|the earlier, non-variable-sweep wing bomber|Tupolev Tu-22}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= Tu-22M
 |image= File:Tupolev Tu-22M3M GEFEST (19230388334).jpg
 |caption= A [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] Tu-22M3
 |type= [[Strategic bomber]]/Maritime strike
 |national_origin = Soviet Union
 |manufacturer= [[Tupolev]]
 |first_flight= {{Start date and age|1969|08|30|df=yes}}
 |introduction= 1972
 |retired =
 |produced= 1967–1993
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]
 |more_users= {{ubl|[[Soviet Air Forces]] (historical) |[[Ukrainian Air Force]] (historical)}}
 |number_built= 497
 |unit cost=
 |developed_from= [[Tupolev Tu-22]]
 |variants=
}}

The '''Tupolev Tu-22M''' ({{langx|ru|Туполев Ту-22М}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Backfire''') is a [[supersonic]], [[variable-sweep wing]], long-range strategic and maritime strike [[bomber]] developed by the [[Tupolev|Tupolev Design Bureau]] in the 1960s. The bomber was reported as being designated '''Tu-26''' by Western intelligence at one time.<ref>{{harvnb|''Air International'' October 1980|p=188}}</ref> During the [[Cold War]], the Tu-22M was operated by the [[Soviet Air Forces]] (VVS) in a missile carrier [[strategic bombing]] role, and by the [[Soviet Naval Aviation]] (''Aviatsiya Voyenno-Morskogo Flota'', AVMF) in a long-range maritime anti-shipping role.<ref name="vectorsite"/>

In 2024, the [[Russian Air Force]] had 57 aircraft in service, according to the 2024 Military Balance report by International Institute for Strategic Studies.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2024 |title=What is the Russian bomber plane that Ukraine says it shot down? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/what-is-russian-bomber-plane-that-ukraine-says-it-shot-down-2024-04-19/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> However, in 2023, Ukraine's [[Main Directorate of Intelligence (Ukraine)|Main Directorate of Intelligence]] estimated that Russia had only 27 aircraft in operable condition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-23 |title=Intelligence chief: Russia has 27 operable Tu-22M3 bombers left following recent strikes |url=https://kyivindependent.com/intelligence-chief-russia-has-27-operable-tu-22m3-bombers-left-after-latest-strikes/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Tu-22M Backfire loads AS-16 Kickback.jpg|thumb|left|A painting depicting the loading of Raduga [[Kh-15]] missiles on a Tu-22M rotary launcher. The bomber depicted is an early Tu-22M2, with distinctive air intakes.]]

In 1962, after the introduction of the [[Tupolev Tu-22]], it became increasingly clear that the aircraft was inadequate in its role as a bomber. In addition to widespread unserviceability and maintenance problems, the Tu-22's handling characteristics proved to be dangerous. Its landing speed was {{Convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} greater than previous bombers and it had a tendency to pitch up and strike its tail upon landing. It was difficult to fly, and had poor all-round visibility.<ref name=KD_124>Kandalov & Duffy 1996, p. 124.</ref> In 1962, Tupolev commenced work on a major update of the Tu-22. Initially, the bureau planned to add a [[variable-sweep wing]] and uprated engines into the updated design. The design was tested at [[TsAGI]]'s [[wind tunnel]]s at [[Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast|Zhukovsky]].<ref name=KD_124/>

During this time Sukhoi developed the [[Sukhoi T-4|T-4]], a four-engine titanium aircraft with canards. A response to the [[XB-70]], it was to have a cruise speed of {{Convert|3,200|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, requiring a major research effort in order to develop the requisite technologies. Tupolev, whose expertise was with bombers, offered the [[Soviet Air Force]] (''Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily'', VVS) a massively updated version of the Tu-22.<ref name=GRK_51>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 51.</ref>

[[File:Kiev ukraine 1076 state aviation museum zhulyany (79) Tupolev Tu-22M-2 Bakfire-B Long range bomber (5870256646).jpg|alt=|thumb|OBP-15T Targeting bombsight on Tupolev Tu-22M(0)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kopp |first=Carlo |journal=Air Power Australia |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |trans-title=Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire C Bomber - Missile Carrier |title=Туполев Ту-22M3 Бомбардировщик-ракетоносец |date=5 July 2007 |pages=1 |publisher=Ausairpower.net |access-date=2019-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126204108/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |archive-date=2019-01-26 |url-status=live}}</ref>]]
[[File:Cockpit of Tupolev Tu-22M3 (7).jpg|alt=|thumb|Older cockpit of Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber, navigator's and weapon systems officer's panels]]
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M3 taking off at Ryazan Dyagilevo.jpg|thumb|Tupolev Tu-22M3 taking off at Ryazan Dyagilevo]]
Compared to the T-4, it was an evolutionary design, and thus its appeal lay in its simplicity and low cost. The Soviet government was skeptical about the need to approve the development of a replacement aircraft so soon after the Tu-22 had entered service.<ref>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, pp. 51–52.</ref> The Air Force and Tupolev, in order to save face regarding the Tu-22's operational deficiencies and to stave off criticisms from the ICBM lobby, agreed to pass off the design as an update of the Tu-22 in their discussions with the government. The aircraft was designated Tu-22M, given the [[OKB]] code "Aircraft 45", and an internal designation of "AM". Their effort was successful as the government approved the design on 28 November 1967, and decreed the development of the aircraft's main weapon, the [[Kh-22]] missile.<ref>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 52.</ref> The T-4 itself made its first flight in 1972, but was later cancelled.<ref name=GRK_51/>

US intelligence had been aware of the existence of the aircraft since 1969, and the first satellite photograph of the bomber was taken in 1970. The existence of the aircraft was a shock to US intelligence as [[Nikita Khrushchev]], who had been the Soviet premier up to 1964, was adamant that ICBMs would render the bomber obsolete.<ref>Kandalov & Duffy 1996, p. 158.</ref>

As in the case of its contemporaries, the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]] and [[Sukhoi Su-17|Su-17]] projects, the advantages of variable-sweep wing (or "swing wing") seemed attractive, allowing a combination of short take-off performance, efficient cruising, and good high-speed, low-level flight. The result was a new swing-wing aircraft named ''Samolyot 145'' (''Aeroplane 145''), derived from the Tupolev Tu-22, with some features borrowed from the abandoned [[Tupolev Tu-98|Tu-98]] project. The Tu-22M was based on the Tu-22's weapon system and used its Kh-22 missile. The Tu-22M designation was used to help get approval for the bomber within the [[Soviet Armed Forces|Soviet military]] and government system.<ref name=Eden>Eden, Paul, ed. Tupolev Tu-22/22M". ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. London: Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.</ref>

The Tu-22M designation was used by the Soviet Union during the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks|SALT II]] arms control negotiations, creating the impression that it was a modification of the Tu-22. Some suggested that the designation was deliberately deceptive, and intended to hide the Tu-22M's performance. Other sources suggest the "deception" was internal to make it easier to get budgets approved. According to some sources, the Backfire-B/C production variants were believed to be designated ''Tu-26'' by Russia, although this is disputed by many others. The US State and Defense Departments have used the Tu-22M designation for the Backfire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/tu-22m.htm|title=Tu-22M BACKFIRE (TUPOLEV)|website=Fas.org|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207002058/http://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/bomber/tu-22m.htm|archive-date=7 December 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Production of all Tu-22M variants totalled 497, including pre-production aircraft.<ref name="vectorsite"/>

===Modernization===
An initial attempt at modernizing the Tu-22M, ''Adaptation-45.03M'', based on modernizing the aircraft's radar, began in 1990, but was abandoned before reaching production.<ref name="ai319p46">{{Harvnb|Butowski|2019|p=46}}</ref> In 2007, work began on a new radar for the Tu-22M, the NV-45, which was first flown on a Tu-22M in 2008, with four more repaired Tu-22Ms refitted with NV-45 radars in 2014–2015.<ref name="ai319p47">{{Harvnb|Butowski|2019|p=47}}</ref>

A contract for a full mid-life upgrade, the Tu-22M3M, was signed in September 2014. The aircraft was then planned to receive a further modified NV-45M radar, together with new navigation equipment and a modified flight control system. A new self-defense electronic radar suite was to be fitted, replacing the tail gun of the existing Tu-22M3. Much of the new avionics were planned to be shared with the upgraded [[Tupolev Tu-160|Tu-160M2]].<ref name="ai319p46-7">{{Harvnb|Butowski|2019|pp=46–47}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 November 2017 |trans-title=Source: the design of the new version of the Tu-22M3 completed |url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4737624 |work=[[TASS]] |title=Источник: проектирование новой версии Ту-22М3 завершено |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123010714/https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4737624 |archive-date=23 January 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> {{as of|2018}}, armament was planned to be enhanced by adding the new [[Kh-32]] missile, a heavily modified version of the current Kh-22, the subsonic Kh-SD, the hypersonic Kh-MT, or the [[Kh-47M2 Kinzhal]] missiles.<ref name="ai319p47"/><ref name="ria.ru">{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180702/1523755997.html |title=Бомбардировщики Ту-22М3 вооружат гиперзвуковыми ракетами "Кинжал" |date=2 July 2018 |website=Ria.ru |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817102345/https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180702/1523755997.html |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2018, deliveries of the Tu-22M3M were expected to begin in 2021.<ref name="ai319p46"/>{{update after|2023|1|9}}

On 11 May 2020, it was reported by [[TASS]], citing anonymous sources in the military-industrial complex, that a test launch of a new hypersonic missile, not belonging to the Kh-32 family, was conducted from a Tu-22M3M. Reportedly, work on the missile had been initiated several years earlier, and its tests were expected to be completed "simultaneously with the work on the upgraded Tu-22M3M bomber".<ref name="TASS_new_missile">{{cite news |url=https://tass.com/defense/1154995 |title=Russia tests new hypersonic missile designed for Tu-22M3M strategic bomber - source |publisher=[[TASS]] |date=11 May 2020 |access-date=11 May 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513161139/https://tass.com/defense/1154995 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A separate, simpler, upgrade program [[SVP-24|(SVP-24-22)]] was being carried out in 2008 by the company Gefest & T, based on avionics developed for the [[Sukhoi Su-24]] attack aircraft, including a new computer, a new navigation system and digital processing for the aircraft's radar. The upgrade is claimed to greatly increase navigation accuracy and bomb delivery. A SVP-24-22-equipped Tu-22M underwent trials in 2009, and the program was moved into production, with deliveries after 2012.<ref name="ai319p47"/>

In September 2023, it was reported that the Tu-22M3 have been modified to carry a missile with a payload capacity of {{convert|1700|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tass.com/defense/1675827 |title= Tu-22M3 missiles to receive new payload — Russian long-range aviation commander |date= 16 September 2023 |access-date=2023-09-22 |archive-date=2023-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920081742/https://tass.com/defense/1675827 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operational history==
=== Soviet Union ===
[[File:Tu-22M Backfire-B, escorted by an F-14A.JPEG|thumb|Soviet Tu-22M1 Backfire-B bomber aircraft is escorted by an [[F-14A]] Tomcat aircraft.]]

The two prototypes Tu-22M(0) were delivered to [[Soviet Long Range Aviation|Long Range Aviation]]'s 42nd Combat Training Centre at [[Dyagilevo (air base)|Dyagilevo air base]], near [[Ryazan]], in February 1973. The aircraft began practice sorties in March. Within 20 days of the aircraft's delivery, the air and ground crew at the air base had received their type ratings; this was helped by their earlier training at Tupolev, the [[Gromov Flight Research Institute]] and the Kazan plant.<ref name=GRK_81>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 81.</ref> In June that year, the aircraft were demonstrated to Soviet government officials, destroying tanks and [[armoured personnel carrier]]s.<ref name=GRK_81/>

The Tu-22M was first unveiled in 1980 during the aircraft's participation in a major [[Warsaw Pact]] exercise. During the exercise, naval Tu-22M2s conducted anti-ship operations by mining parts of the [[Baltic Sea]] to simulate an [[amphibious landing]]. The exercise was extensively covered by the press and TV media.<ref>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 82.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Military Exercises on Soviet-Bloc TV|newspaper=New York Times|date=14 September 1980|page=A5}}</ref> In June 1981, four Tu-22Ms were intercepted and photographed by Norwegian aircraft flying over the [[Norwegian Sea]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Soviet planes photographed|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=15 June 1981|page=14}}</ref>

The first simulated attack by the Tu-22M against a NATO [[carrier group]] occurred between 30 September and 1 October 1982. Eight aircraft locked onto the U.S. task forces of [[USS Enterprise (CVN-65)|USS ''Enterprise'']] and [[USS Midway (CV-41)|USS ''Midway'']] which were operating in the North Pacific. They came within {{Convert|120|mi|km|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} of the task forces. The reaction of the U.S. Navy was thought to have been restrained during this event so as to allow the observation of the Tu-22M's tactics.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Backfires attack US carriers|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1982/1982%20-%202592.html|date=14–20 November 1982|journal=[[Flight International]]|location=Surrey, UK|publisher=IPC Transport Press|number=3837|volume=122|page=1480|issn=0015-3710|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803065052/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1982/1982%20-%202592.html|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The bomber also made attempts to test Japan's air defense boundary on several occasions.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

[[File:Raduga Kh-22.jpg|thumb|A [[Raduga Kh-22]] anti-ship missile under a Tupolev Tu-22M(0)]]
The Tu-22M was first used in combat in [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]. It was deployed December 1987 to January 1988, during which the aircraft flew strike missions in support of the [[Soviet Army]]'s attempt to relieve the [[Mujahideen]]s' [[Siege of Khost]]. Two squadrons of aircraft from the 185th GvBAP based at [[Poltava]] were deployed to Maryy-2 air base in [[Turkmenistan]]. Capable of dropping large tonnages of conventional ordnance, the aircraft bombed enemy forts, bases and material supplies.<ref>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, pp. 83–84.</ref> In October 1988, the aircraft was again deployed against the Mujahideen. Sixteen Tu-22M3s were used to provide cover to Soviet forces that were pulling out of the country. The Tu-22Ms were tasked with destroying paths of access to Soviet forces, attacking enemy forces at night to prevent regrouping, and to attack incoming supplies from Iran and Pakistan. Working alongside 30 newly arrived [[MiG-27]]s, the aircraft also flew missions aimed at relieving the besieged city of [[Kandahar]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=USSR Uses Backfires, MiG-27s to Attack Afghan Mujahedeen|journal=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]|location=New York|publisher=Penton Media|volume=129|number=19|date=7 November 1988|page=21|issn=0005-2175}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Soviets Add Missiles in Afghan War|last=Moseley|first=Ray|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=2 November 1988|page=16}}</ref> The aircraft had its last Afghan operation in January 1989 at Salang pass.<ref>Gordon, Rigmant & Komissarov 1999, p. 84.</ref>

The Tu-22M suffered from widespread maintenance problems due to poor manufacturing quality during its service with the Soviet forces. The engines and airframes in particular had short service lives.<ref name=Spares>{{Cite journal|last=Velovich|first=Alexander|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1991/1991%20-%202051.PDF|title=Spares deficit grounds Tu-22s|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Information|number=4279|volume=140|date=7–13 August 1991|page=17|issn=0015-3710|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803184913/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1991/1991%20-%202051.PDF|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Air Force at one point sought to prosecute Tupolev for allegedly rushing the inadequate designs of the Tu-22M and the Tu-160 into service.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Velovich|first=Alexander|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202875.html|title=Soviet AF wanted Tupolev prosecuted over Blackjack|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Information|issue=4292|volume=140|date=6–12 November 1991|page=21|issn=0015-3710|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803195245/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202875.html|archive-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This was compounded by the government bureaucracy, which hampered the provision of spare parts to allow the servicing of the Tu-22M. With some aircraft grounded for up to six months, the mission-capable rate of the aircraft in August 1991 was around 30–40%.<ref name=Spares/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a267892.pdf|title=BACKFIRE BOMBERS IN CHINA|website=Dtic.mil|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011192941/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a267892.pdf|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Russia ===
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M3 at Ryazan Dyagilevo.jpg|thumb|left|Tupolev Tu-22M3 at Ryazan Dyagilevo]]

At the time of the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], 370 remained in [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] service. Production ended in 1993.

The Russian Federation used the Tu-22M3 in combat in [[Chechnya]] during 1995, performing strikes near [[Grozny]].<ref name="vectorsite" />

In August 2007, the Tu-22M and the [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95]] began conducting long-range patrolling, for the first time since 1992.<ref>Kramer, Andrew E. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/europe/17cnd-russia.html?hp "Russia Resumes Patrols by Nuclear Bombers".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626141853/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/world/europe/17cnd-russia.html?hp |date=2017-06-26}} ''The New York Times'', 17 August 2007. Retrieved: 17 July 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sekretarev|first=Ivan|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1321792421.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202844/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1321792421.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russia starts Soviet-style bomber patrols|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|date=18 August 2007|access-date=24 June 2015}}</ref>

On 9 August 2008, a Russian Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft was shot down in [[South Ossetia]] by a Georgian air defence [[Buk missile system|Buk-M1]] [[surface-to-air-missile]] system during the 5–day [[Russo-Georgian War]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lenta.ru/news/2008/09/16/bodies/ |script-title=ru:Грузия передала России тела штурманов сбитого Ту-22М3 |website=lenta.ru |language=ru |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=2 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011192946/https://lenta.ru/news/2008/09/16/bodies/ |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lenta.ru/news/2008/08/09/planes/ |script-title=ru:Генштаб признал потерю двух самолетов в Южной Осетии |language=ru |trans-title=The General staff acknowledged the loss of two aircraft in South Ossetia |website=Lenta.ru |date=9 August 2008 |access-date=9 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811165810/http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/09/planes/ |archive-date=11 August 2008 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fpri.org/enotes/200808.chang.russiaresurgentgeorgia.html |title=Russia Resurgent: An Initial Look at Russian Military Performance in Georgia |first=Felix K.|last=Chang|date= 13 August 2008 |access-date=7 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014233041/http://www.fpri.org/enotes/200808.chang.russiaresurgentgeorgia.html|archive-date=14 October 2008}}</ref> One of its crew members was captured (Major Vyacheslav Malkov), two others were killed and the crew commander, Lt. Col. Aleksandr Koventsov, was [[missing in action]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mk.ru/politics/publications/331049.html |script-title=ru:Маленькая бедоносная война |language=ru |trans-title=Little bedonosnaâ war |publisher=Moskovskij Komsomolets |date=7 August 2009 |access-date=29 October 2009 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811062535/http://www.mk.ru/politics/publications/331049.html |archive-date=11 August 2009}}</ref>

On 29 March 2013, two Tu-22M3 bombers flying in international airspace made a simulated attack on Sweden. The Swedish air defense failed to respond.<ref>{{cite news |title=Danish F-16s confronted Russian fighter jets approaching Sweden |url=http://cphpost.dk/news/danish-f-16s-confronted-russian-fighter-jets-approaching-sweden.5052.html |work=The Copenhagen Post |date=April 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019173930/http://cphpost.dk/news/danish-f-16s-confronted-russian-fighter-jets-approaching-sweden.5052.html |archive-date=October 19, 2014}}</ref><ref name="SD">{{Cite journal|title=Ryskt flyg övade anfall mot Sverige|language=sv|trans-title=Russian aircraft practiced attacks on Sweden|journal=Svenska Dagbladet|date=22 April 2013|first=Mikael|last=Holmström|url=http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryskt-flyg-ovade-anfall-mot-sverige_8108894.svd|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323232149/http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ryskt-flyg-ovade-anfall-mot-sverige_8108894.svd|archive-date=23 March 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Two Tu-22Ms flew supersonic over [[the Baltic Sea]] on 24 March 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cenciotti|first=David|url=http://theaviationist.com/2015/03/24/tu-22-supersonic-over-baltic/|title=Russian Tu-22 bomber scares NATO air defenses flying at supersonic speed over the Baltic Sea for the first time|work=The Aviationist|date=24 March 2015|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120210610/http://theaviationist.com/2015/03/24/tu-22-supersonic-over-baltic/|archive-date=20 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Two Tu-22Ms approached [[Öland]] in international airspace on 21 May 2015. The [[Swedish Air Force]] sent two [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] fighters to mark their presence.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cenciotti|first=David|url=http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/gripen-ryckte-ut-mot-ryskt-bombflyg_4582280.svd|title=Ryskt agerande tvingar MP till vägval|language=sv|trans-title=Russian action forces the MP to choices|work=Svenska Dagbladet|date=21 May 2015|access-date=24 November 2015}}</ref> On 4 July 2015, two Tu-22Ms approached the Swedish island of [[Gotland]] without violating its airspace, followed by Swedish and other fighter aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|last=de la Reguera|first=Eric|url=https://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/ryska-bombplan-nara-gotland/|title=Ryska bombplan nära Gotland|language=sv|trans-title=Russian bombers near Gotland|work=Dagens Nyheter|date=4 July 2015|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152242/http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/ryska-bombplan-nara-gotland/|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Боевые вылеты экипажей Ту-22М3 в рамках СКШУ «Центр-2019».webm|thumb|left|Tupolev Tu-22M3 during Center 2019 exercise]]
In 2014, Russian aerospace expert Piotr Butowski estimated there were seven squadrons of Tu-22Ms in service, each with approximately 10 aircraft, stationed at three airbases; 40 at [[Belaya (air base)|Belaya airbase]] in southeastern [[Siberia]], 28 at [[Shaykovka (air base)|Shaykovka airbase]] southwest of Moscow, and 10 at Dyagilevo airbase in Ryazan southeast of Moscow which serves as the training unit for the bomber. {{clarify-span|With the removal of the aircraft's in-flight refueling capability due to the [[START I]] treaty, the Tu-22M's internal fuel capacity limits its operational range ([[combat radius]] unrefueled: 4,000–5,000&nbsp;km (DIA), 3,360–3,960&nbsp;km (CIA) estimate)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/tu-22m-specs.htm|title=Tu-22M BACKFIRE (TUPOLEV)|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118122915/https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/tu-22m-specs.htm|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> from its home bases to only around Russia's immediate sphere of influence.<ref>[https://warisboring.com/russias-backfire-bomber-is-back-2618703120b7#.ffnmydcnq Russia’s Backfire Bomber Is Back!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025054731/https://warisboring.com/russias-backfire-bomber-is-back-2618703120b7 |date=2016-10-25}} – Warisboring.com, 13 June 2014</ref>|According to the [[START I]] article, that treaty expired in 2009, so is there any reason to believe the range is still limited?|date=March 2024}}

[[File:Tupolev Tu22M3 bn48 2021.jpg|thumb|right|Tupolev Tu-22M3 taking off with afterburner in 2021]]

====Syrian Civil War====
Since late January 2017, six Tu-22M3s resumed airstrikes in the area of Deir ez-Zor to prevent capture of the city by jihadists and again in late 2017 to [[Russian intervention in the Syrian civil war|support a government offensive]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://theaviationist.com/2015/11/17/russian-tu-22s-joined-the-syria-air-war/|title=25 Russian long-range strategic bombers in action over Syria for the very first time|first=David|last=Cenciotti|date=17 November 2015|work=The Aviationist|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120031928/http://theaviationist.com/2015/11/17/russian-tu-22s-joined-the-syria-air-war/|archive-date=20 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 22–31 January 2016, Tu-22M3s reportedly conducted 42 sorties performing airstrikes in the vicinity of [[Deir ez-Zor]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} On the morning of 12 July 2016, six Tu-22M3 bombers carried out a concentrated attack around [[Palmyra]], [[Al-Sukhnah, Syria|Al-Sukhnah]] and [[Arak, Syria|Arak]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} On 14 July, six Tu-22M3 bombers operating from airfields in Russia delivered another massive strike on the newly detected IS facilities in the areas east of Palmyra, as well as in Al-Sukhnah, Arak, and the T-3 oil pumping station in the province of [[Homs Governorate|Homs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/en/defense/888172|title=Russia's Tu-22M3 long-range bombers strike IS facilities in Syria|website=Tass.ru|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929135852/http://tass.ru/en/defense/888172|archive-date=29 September 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> New raids were conducted on 21 July,{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} 8 August,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/syria/20160808/1473817753.html|title=Шесть Ту-22М3, вылетевшие из России, нанесли удар по объектам ИГ в Сирии|date=8 August 2016|website=Ria.ru|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817055953/https://ria.ru/syria/20160808/1473817753.html|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 11 August,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/syria/20160811/1474134481.html|title=Опубликовано видео ударов ВКС по позициям ИГ в Ракке|date=11 August 2016|website=Ria.ru|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023233/https://ria.ru/syria/20160811/1474134481.html|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and 14 August<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/en/politics/894223|title=Six Russian Tu-22M3 backfire long-range bombers deliver strikes on IS facilities in Syria|website=Tass.ru|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=4 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404175824/http://tass.ru/en/politics/894223|url-status=live}}</ref> 2016.

On 16 August 2016, the bombers began to fly missions in Syria using Iran's [[Hamedan Airbase]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Syrian conflict: Russian bombers use Iran base for air strikes|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37093854|access-date=16 August 2016|agency=BBC|date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816151403/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37093854|archive-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:ReturnOfTheAircraft2017-landing.png|thumb|Tu-22M3 landing with two [[drag chutes]] at Shaykovka air base near Kirov, Kaluga Oblast in 2017 after deployment in Syria]]
In November 2017, six Tu-22M3s resumed airstrikes in the area of Deir ez-Zor to support a government offensive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/976332|title=Six Russian Tu-22M3 bombers hit Islamic State facilities near Syria's Abu Kamal|website=Tass.com|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023219/http://tass.com/defense/976332|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On December 12, 2017, a fleet of Tu-22M3 bombers arrived back from Syria at [[Shaykovka air base]] near [[Kirov, Kaluga Oblast]], where [[lieutenant general]] and long-range-aviation commander [[Sergey Kobylash]] awarded crews with the [[medal "Participant of the military operation in Syria"]].<ref>{{cite news|url= https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4805360 |website= [[TASS]] |title= Ту-22М3 вернулись на аэродром дислокации после выполнения задач в Сирии |date=2017-12-12 |access-date= 2024-10-23|lang=ru |trans-title= Tu-22M3 returned to the deployment air base after completing missions in Syria}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12154626@egNews |website= [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|eng.mil.ru]] |title= Tu-22M3 aircraft return back home in Kaluga region from North Ossetia |date= 2017-12-12 |access-date= 2024-10-23}}</ref>

In May 2021, three Tu-22Ms were temporarily deployed to the Khmeymim airbase in Syria.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tu-22M3 bombers' presence in Syria aims to stabilize situation, says Russian lawmaker |date=25 May 2021 |publisher=[[TASS]] |url=https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526070059/https://tass.com/defense/1293717 |url-status=live}}</ref> Tu-22Ms were again deployed in eastern Mediterranean in June of the same year for large RF Navy and Air Force drills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1307815|title=Russian naval ships thwart enemy attack in Mediterranean drills|website=TASS|access-date=2021-06-30|archive-date=2021-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702151034/https://tass.com/defense/1307815|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Invasion of Ukraine====
On 15 April 2022, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry stated Russia had used Tu-22M3 bombers for the first time since the start of its [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]], to strike targets in [[Mariupol]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458521-russian-tu22m3-bombers-strike-mariupol.html |title=Russian Tu-22M3 bombers strike Mariupol |website=ukrinform.net |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415152439/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3458521-russian-tu22m3-bombers-strike-mariupol.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It had earlier been reported that [[FAB-3000|FAB-3000M-46]] dumb bombs had been reactivated in Russia for use with Tu-22M3 bombers to strike targets at the [[Azovstal iron and steel works]] plant that became the last bastion for Ukrainian troops in the [[Siege of Mariupol|besieged city of Mariupol]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/dumb-bombs-for-dumb-things-vks-reactivates-70-year-old-fab-3000m-46-bombs-not-suitable-for-fast-jets-to-arm-its-tupolev-tu-22m3-supersonic-bombers-to-strike-ukraine/ |title=Dumb Bombs for Dumb Things: VKS reactivates 70-Year-Old FAB-3000M-46 bombs not suitable for Fast Jets to arm its Tupolev Tu-22M3 Supersonic Bombers to strike Ukraine |website=theaviationgeekclub.com |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410223507/https://theaviationgeekclub.com/dumb-bombs-for-dumb-things-vks-reactivates-70-year-old-fab-3000m-46-bombs-not-suitable-for-fast-jets-to-arm-its-tupolev-tu-22m3-supersonic-bombers-to-strike-ukraine/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVWVbluXZk8 |title=Russian TU-22M3 Supersonic Bomber Strikes Azovstal Factory in Mariupol |website=[[YouTube]] |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=23 February 2023 |archive-date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223091830/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVWVbluXZk8&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 11 May 2022, a video emerged on social media showing a Russian Aerospace Forces Tu-22M3 bomber launching two Kh-22 missiles at targets somewhere in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/we-may-have-our-first-sight-of-a-russian-bomber-launching-missiles-at-ukraine |title=We May Have Our First Sight Of A Russian Bomber Launching Missiles At Ukraine |first=Thomas|last=Newdick|website=thedrive.com |date=11 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022 |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520001956/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/we-may-have-our-first-sight-of-a-russian-bomber-launching-missiles-at-ukraine |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 5 December 2022, a [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] Tu-22M3 bomber, identified as ''RF-34110'', was shown damaged as a result of a long-range drone attack by the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] against the Dyagilevo air base. Images on social media showed at least the engine outputs and the trailing edge of the stabilizers damaged.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-05 |title=Ukrainian drones attack Russian Tu-22M bomber base |url=https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-drones-attack-russian-tu-22m-bomber-base/ |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=defence-blog.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206011907/https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-drones-attack-russian-tu-22m-bomber-base/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-05 |title=Strikes deep inside Russia highlight Ukraine's tactical ingenuity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/strikes-deep-inside-russia-highlight-ukraines-tactical-ingenuity |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205234015/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/05/strikes-deep-inside-russia-highlight-ukraines-tactical-ingenuity |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= 2022-12-06 |title= Russian Tu-22M and Tu-95 bombers hit by suspected Ukrainian drone strikes |url= https://www.airdatanews.com/russian-tu-22m-and-tu-95-bombers-hit-by-suspected-ukrainian-drone-strikes/ |access-date= 2022-12-06 |author= Ricardo Meier |website= airdatanews.com |language= en |archive-date= 2022-12-15 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221215012153/https://www.airdatanews.com/russian-tu-22m-and-tu-95-bombers-hit-by-suspected-ukrainian-drone-strikes/ |url-status= live}}</ref>

On 20 August 2023, the Russian government confirmed a drone attack on an airbase in Novgorod and [[BBC News]] subsequently published verified images of a Tu-22M3 engulfed in flames at [[Soltsy-2 (air base)|Soltsy air base]], Russia, which had been attacked by drones on the day before.<ref name=bbc20230822>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian drone destroys Russian supersonic bomber |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66573842 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=22 August 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821234030/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66573842 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=newsweek20230819>{{Cite news |last=Cole |first=Brendan |title=Russia blames Ukraine for drone attack on military airfield |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-drone-airfield-attack-novgorod-chernihiv-1821062 |date=19 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-19 |work=[[Newsweek]] |archive-date=2023-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819160500/https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-drone-airfield-attack-novgorod-chernihiv-1821062 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=moscowtimes20230819>{{Cite news |last=Times |first=The Moscow |date=2023-08-19 |title=Drone Attacks Military Airfield in Northwestern Russia |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/08/19/drone-attacks-military-airfield-in-northwestern-russia-a82185 |access-date=2023-08-19 |work=[[The Moscow Times]] |archive-date=2023-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819130301/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/08/19/drone-attacks-military-airfield-in-northwestern-russia-a82185 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Attack on Russian airfield in Novgorod Oblast: Drone damages aircraft |url=https://news.yahoo.com/attack-russian-airfield-novgorod-oblast-102503041.html |date=2023-08-19 |access-date=2023-08-19 |work=Yahoo News |archive-date=2023-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819202908/https://news.yahoo.com/attack-russian-airfield-novgorod-oblast-102503041.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All effects of drone attack against airdrome near Novgorod eliminated — authorities |url=https://tass.com/defense/1662561 |access-date=2023-08-19 |website=TASS |archive-date=2023-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819160154/https://tass.com/defense/1662561 |url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Ukraine, one Tu-22M3 was destroyed, and two were disabled, in an operation of a Ukrainian intelligence unit led by [[Oleh Babiy]] in August 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/24/7438606/ | title=Ukraine's Defence Intelligence reveals details of operation to destroy Tu-22 strategic bombers in Russia | access-date=2024-01-27 | archive-date=2024-01-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127133939/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/01/24/7438606/ | url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[29 December 2023 Russian strikes on Ukraine]] and other attacks, some 300 [[Kh-22]] missiles have been launched at Ukraine by Russian forces, all by Tu-22M bombers. None have been shot down by Ukrainian forces, although it is suggested that Russia has been targeting areas where there are no [[MIM-104 Patriot]] or [[SAMP/T]] missile batteries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 December 2023 |title=Nuclear warfighter: Key characteristics of Russian Tu-22M3 bomber and Kh-22 'blind' missiles |language=en |work=MSN|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/nuclear-warfighter-key-characteristics-of-russian-tu-22m3-bomber-and-kh-22-blind-missiles/ar-AA1mdgGT|author1= Danylo Kramarenko|author2= Daria Shekina|publisher=MSN|access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-30 |title=Nuclear warfighter: Key characteristics of Russian Tu-22M3 bomber and Kh-22 'blind' missiles |language=en |work=The Kyiv Post |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/26102 |publisher=The Kyiv Post |access-date=2023-12-30 |archive-date=2023-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229223833/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/26102 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 April 2024, a Russian Tu-22M3 crashed near [[Stavropol]], over 450 km of distance from the nearest Ukrainian controlled territory as of the time of the event. Ukraine claimed to have shot down the long-range strategic bomber about 300 km from Ukraine as it was reportedly trying to return to base after a combat sortie. Russian authorities claimed the aircraft crashed in [[Krasnogvardeysky District, Stavropol Krai|Krasnogvardeysky District]] due to a technical malfunction, killing one crew member, with another missing. A source claimed that Ukraine's [[Main Directorate of Intelligence (Ukraine)|Main Directorate of Intelligence]] had planned and executed the downing with a [[S-200 missile system|S-200]] missile, the same type of missile Ukraine claimed to have shot down a [[Beriev A-50]] in February 2024. If confirmed, it would be Ukraine's first downing of a Tu-22M in the air. Ukraine "likely destroyed" one Tu-22M at an airbase in [[Novgorod Oblast]] in August 2023, using drones.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240419-at-least-nine-killed-in-russian-strikes-in-ukraine-as-kyiv-says-it-downed-russian-warplane |title=At least nine killed in Ukraine strikes as Kyiv says it downed Russian warplane |work=France 24 |date=19 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/air-force-ukraine-downs-russian-tu-22m3-bomber-for-first-time/ |title=Air Force: Ukraine downs Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for first time |work=The Kyiv Independent |first=Kateryna |last=Hodunova |date=19 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/31356 |title=Kyiv Achieves First Destruction of Russian Strategic Bomber Using S-200 System |work=The Kyiv Post |first=Kateryna |last=Zakharchenko |date=19 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-19/factbox-what-is-the-russian-bomber-plane-that-ukraine-says-it-shot-down |title=Factbox-What is the Russian bomber plane that Ukraine says it shot down? |agency=Reuters |via= usnews.com |date=19 April 2024}}</ref>

HUR drones struck the [[Olenya (air base)|Olenya air base]] in [[Murmansk Oblast]], some 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, damaging two Tu-22M3s. A Ukrainian spokesman said, "We can confirm the damage to two Tu-22M3 aircraft. We are talking about aircraft No. 33 and No. 31. No. 33 has holes in the upper part of the fuselage, and aircraft No. 31 also has some body damage."<ref>{{Cite web |title= Two Tu-22M3 bombers damaged during strike on Olenya airfield |url= https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/two-tu-22m3-bombers-damaged-during-strike-1722360542.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=RBC-Ukraine - Defense Intelligence of Ukraine |date=30 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

On 31 March 2025, Ukrainian drones destroyed Kh-22 missiles at [[Shaykovka air base]] according to satellite imagery.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Drones Destroy Kh-22 Missile Depot at Shaykovka Airbase |url= https://militarnyi.com/en/news/drones-destroy-kh-22-missile-depot-at-shaykovka-airbase/ |access-date=2025-04-08|website= militarnyi |author= Roman Pryhodko |language=en}}</ref> Ukrainian military commander [[Oleksandr Syrskyi]] said that a drone managed to destroy a Tu-22M3 after it landed. General Syrskyi said it was valued at $100 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Syrskyi: Drone Destroys Tu-22M3 After Landing |url= https://militarnyi.com/en/news/syrskyi-drone-destroys-tu-22m3-after-landing/ |access-date=2025-04-09|website= militarnyi |author= Roman Pryhodko |language=en}}</ref>

On 1 June 2025, at least four Tu-22M3 bombers were destroyed in the [[Operation Spider's Web]] attack at Belaya Air Base near [[Irkutsk]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= ‘Spiderweb’ Strikes Cripple 34% of Russian Bomber Fleet in $7 Billion Blow, SBU Confirms |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/53749 |access-date=2025-06-01|website= kyivpost |author= Alisa Orlova, Kateryna Zakharchenko |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BarentsObserver20250602">{{Cite web |date= 2025-06-02 |title=Satellite images from Olenya show 4 strategic bombers destroyed |url=https://www.thebarentsobserver.com/security/satellite-images-from-olenya-show-4-strategic-bombers-destroyed/431046/ |website=The Barents Observer |author=Atle Staalesen |access-date=2025-06-04 |language=en}}</ref>

===Export===
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M1 refuelling probe.jpg|thumb|Closeup of the proprietary refuelling probe on the Tu-22M1 nose]]

The Tupolev company has sought export customers for the Tu-22M since 1992, with possible customers including Iran, India and the People's Republic of China, but no sales have apparently been made. Unlike the Tu-22 bomber, Tu-22Ms were not exported to Middle East countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/bomber/eng/tu22-supersonic-bomber-1.htm |title=Tu-22M simulated attack on U.S. aircraft carriers during cold war |date=21 September 2011 |access-date=21 September 2011 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002231700/http://www.airforceworld.com/bomber/eng/tu22-supersonic-bomber-1.htm |archive-date=2 October 2011}}</ref>{{update inline|date=October 2023}}

During 1999, India reportedly signed a lease-to-buy contract for four Tu-22M aircraft for maritime reconnaissance and strike purposes, which were to enter IAF service in 2001. At the time, the aircraft were to be delivered with Kh-22 cruise missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-74653329.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163227/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-74653329.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |last=Sherman |first=K. |title=India Leases Backfire Bombers, Buys Aircraft Carrier |work=Journal of Electronic Defense |date=1 April 2001 |access-date=12 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Wirtz |first= James |title= Balance of Power |publisher= Stanford University Press |location= Stanford |year= 2004 |isbn= 978-0-8047-5017-2 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=9jy28vBqscQC&pg=PA347}}</ref> As of 2023 there is no evidence of operation or acquisition by the Indian Air Force.

==Variants==
[[File:156 Red Tupolev Tu.22 M0 Blinder Ukrainian Airforce (7724012774).jpg|thumb|Earliest Tu-22M(0) modification]]
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M1, Riga Aviation Museum.jpg|thumb|Tupolev Tu-22M1 modification]]
[[File:20 Red Tupolev Tu.22 M-2 Blinder Ukrainian Airforce (7724013492).jpg|thumb|Tu-22M2 modification]]
[[File:Ukrainian Tu-22 M3.jpg|thumb|A Ukrainian Air Force Tu-22M3 at SIAD 2002 Air Show, Bratislava, Slovakia]]

;Tu-22M(0)
: Earliest pre-production variant, 9 were produced.
;Tu-22M1
: Pilot-production aircraft, 9 were produced in 1971 and 1972. Its NATO reporting name was ''Backfire-A''.
;Tu-22M2
: The first major production version, entering production in 1972, was the ''Tu-22M2'' (NATO: ''Backfire-B''), with longer wings and an extensively redesigned, [[area rule]]d fuselage (raising the crew complement to four), twin NK-22 engines (215&nbsp;kN thrust each) with distinctive [[intake ramp]]s, and new undercarriage with the main [[landing gear]] in the wing glove rather than in large pods. 211 Tu-22M2 were built from 1972 to 1984.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avtu22.html#m6 |title=The Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder" & Tu-22M "Backfire" |website=Airvectors.net |access-date=2016-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917133006/http://www.airvectors.net/avtu22.html#m6 |archive-date=2016-09-17 |url-status=live}}</ref> On November 1, 1984, the last Tu-22M2 of the 58th series rolled out of the factory gates.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Tupolev ANT-9 (PS-9) | url=https://www.airhistory.net/files/st/tupolev.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116040309/https://www.airhistory.net/files/st/tupolev.pdf | archive-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> The Tu-22M2 had a top speed of Mach 1.65 and was armed most commonly with long-range [[cruise missile]]s/[[anti-ship missile]]s, typically one or two Raduga Kh-22 anti-ship missiles.<ref name=":0" /> Some Tu-22M2s were later reequipped with more powerful NK-23 engines and redesignated ''Tu-22M2Ye''.

;Tu-22M3
: The later ''Tu-22M3'' (NATO: ''Backfire-C''), which first flew in 1977, was introduced into operation in 1983<ref name=":0" /> and officially entered service in 1989,{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} had new [[Kuznetsov NK-25|NK-25 engines]] with substantially more power, wedge-shaped intake ramps similar to the [[MiG-25]], wings with greater maximum sweep and a recontoured nose housing a new Almaz PNA (Planeta Nositel, izdeliye 030A) navigation/attack (NATO 'Down Beat')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/228257680/Tu-22M3 |title=Tu-22M3 - Cruise Missile - Missile |website=Scribd |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402075840/https://www.scribd.com/doc/228257680/Tu-22M3 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> radar and NK-45 nav/attack system, which provides much-improved low-altitude flight. The aerodynamic changes increased its top speed to Mach 2.05 and its range by one third compared to the Tu-22M2.<ref name=":0" /> It has a revised tail turret with a single cannon, and provision for an internal [[Bomb bay#Rotary Launcher|rotary launcher]] for the Raduga [[Kh-15]] missile, similar to the American [[AGM-69 SRAM]]. It was nicknamed ''Troika'' ('Trio' or third) in Russian service. 268 were built until 1993.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |title=Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire C Bomber - Missile Carrier / Туполев Ту-22M3 Бомбардировщик-ракетоносец |first=Kopp |last=Carlo |date=5 July 2007 |website=Ausairpower.net |pages=1 |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818045747/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |title=Tupolev Tu-22M3 Backfire C Bomber – Missile Carrier |last=Kopp |first=Carlo |date=August 1, 2009 |website=Ausairpower.net |pages=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817193907/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Backfire.html |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

: As built, the Tu-22M included the provision for a retractable probe in the upper part of the nose for [[aerial refueling]]. The probe was reportedly removed as a result of the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks|SALT]] negotiations, because with refueling it was considered an intercontinental range strategic bomber.<ref name="Janes 80 p212">Taylor 1980, p. 212.</ref> The probe can be reinstalled if needed.<ref name="vectorsite">{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Goebel |title=The Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder" & Tu-22M 'Backfire' |website=Vectorsite.net |url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu22.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305082952/http://www.vectorsite.net/avtu22.html |archive-date=5 March 2012}}</ref>{{Self-published inline |date=January 2010}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviamuseum.org/EN/TU22M1.html |title=Tupolev Tu-22M1 |work=Riga Aviation Museum |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235626/http://aviamuseum.org/EN/TU22M1.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

: Tu-22M3s used to attack targets in Syria underwent modernization, during which the SVP-24-22 specialized computing subsystems were installed on them, significantly increasing the accuracy of the bombing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4507779 |title=Новая система "Гефест" позволяет использовать некорректируемые боеприпасы как высокоточные |website=Tass.ru |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812121902/http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4507779 |archive-date=12 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

;Tu-22M4
: The development of the "Izdeliye 4510" began in 1983. It was a modernization with the installation of new [[NK-32]] engines (from the Tu-160) and with a change in engine air intakes. The avionics were modernized by installing a new PNK, the ''Obzor'' ("Overview") radar from the [Tu-160 and electronic warfare systems. The range of weapons was expanded: 3 [[Kh-32]] or 10 Kh-15 (with placement on 6 internal and 4 external points of suspension) or UPAB-1500 with a television guidance system. In 1990, a prototype was built at the Kazan aircraft factory. Works in this direction were discontinued in November 1991. The prototype aircraft No. 4504 is in the museum exposition of the Dyagilevo air base.<ref name="arms-expo.ru">{{cite web|url=http://www.arms-expo.ru/armament/samples/984/66949/|title=Ту-22М, сверхзвуковой бомбардировщик|website=ИА «Оружие России»|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050538/http://www.arms-expo.ru/armament/samples/984/66949/|archive-date=2 January 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;Tu-22MR
: Several Tu-22M3s, perhaps 12, were converted to Tu-22M3(R) or ''Tu-22MR'' standard with the Shompol [[side looking airborne radar]] and other [[ELINT]] equipment.<ref name="vectorsite"/>
; Tu-22DP
: Tu-22DP (Dal'nego Perekhvata, long-range interception)/ DP-1 was a long-range interceptor project based on the Tu-22M2 (later on the basis of the Tu-22M3). R & D was conducted by the AN Tupolev Design Bureau together with GosNIIAS. It was assumed that the DP could also carry strike weapons.<ref name="arms-expo.ru"/>
;Tu-344
: A canceled [[supersonic transport|civilian supersonic aircraft]] based on the Tu-22M3, designed to carry {{nobr|10–12 passengers}}. Developed by Tupolev Design Bureau (ANTK named after A. Tupolev) within the framework of conversion program in the second half of the 1990s.<ref>Under the signs of "ANT" and "TU" // Aviation and Cosmonautics. - 2000. - # 11.</ref> The development of the aircraft began in the 1990s with the emergence of interest and demand for [[supersonic business jet]]s (SBJ). Since the creation of an aircraft from scratch requires a large investment, Tupolev Design Bureau decided to create an SBJ-class aircraft based on Tu-22M3. However, the project proved to be unpromising at the time, as the aircraft was supposed to be used internationally, but did not meet international environmental standards of the day.<ref>[http://futurych.f5.ru/post/16256 Turkey in an hour? Only 6 places!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911012217/http://futurych.f5.ru/post/16256 |date=2010-09-11}} F5, April 17, 2009. - Interview with Alexander Leonidovich Pukhov, chief designer of the Tupolev Design Bureau.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/tu-344.htm|title=Tu-344|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051151/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/tu-344.htm|archive-date=2 January 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;Tu-22M3 with SVP-24-22
: Modernized Tu-22M3 of the Russian Aerospace Forces fitted with a new sighting and computing system SVP-24-22 Gefest, instead of the NK-45 ''Vakhta-2'' complex. The SVP-24-22 includes a new and more powerful SV-24 onboard computer, UVV-MP-22 input-output device, flight information generation unit – BFI, aviation collimator indicator KAI-24, radio navigation system SRNS-24 with the A737 satellite receiver and the solid-state information storage device TBN-K-2 to save data of the navigation-targeting complex SVP-24-22 and of the flight recorder. 5 modernized aircraft entered service in 2015,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/734720 |title=Russia brings into service modernized long-range bomber Tu-22M3 |work=Tass |date=4 June 2014 |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715225133/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/734720 |archive-date=15 July 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/0417/133028803/detail.shtml |script-title=ru:В Национальном центре управления обороной проведен Единый день приемки военной продукции |language=ru |trans-title=At the National Centre for defence management held a single day of acceptance of military products |website=Armstrade.org |date=17 April 2015 |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119224332/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2015/0417/133028803/detail.shtml |archive-date=19 November 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://eng.itogi2015.mil.ru/quality2015 |title=Quality building-up in the Russian Armed Forces |website=Eng.itogi2015.mil.ru |access-date=2016-09-15 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629084145/http://eng.itogi2015.mil.ru/quality2015 |archive-date=2016-06-29}}</ref> 2 in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/september/3706-tupolev-hands-over-upgraded-tu-160m-tu-95msm-strategic-bombers.html |title=Tupolev hands over upgraded Tu-160M, Tu-95MSM strategic bombers |website=Airrecognition.com |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181618/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2017/september/3706-tupolev-hands-over-upgraded-tu-160m-tu-95msm-strategic-bombers.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1201/101044396/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Очередной Ту-22М3 передан в эксплуатацию после завершения контрольно-восстановительных работ |website=Armstrade.org |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023131/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2017/1201/101044396/detail.shtml |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> 1 in 2018,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0403/115546121/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / "Туполев" передал в эксплуатацию очередной Ту-22М3 |website=Armstrade.org |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023039/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/0403/115546121/detail.shtml |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> 2 in 2019 and 2 in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0401/093051717/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Новости / "Туполев" передал в эксплуатацию очередной Ту-22М3 после завершения работ по его доработке |access-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181215/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2019/0401/093051717/detail.shtml |archive-date=2019-04-02 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1075718|title=Russian Defense Ministry gets Tu-22M3 bomber after major overhaul|website=TASS|access-date=2019-08-31|archive-date=2022-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127014235/https://tass.com/defense/1075718|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://tass.com/defense/1543335 | title=Defense firm sends top-notch supersonic bomber to Russian Aerospace Forces after repairs | newspaper=Tass | access-date=2022-11-30 | archive-date=2022-11-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130115335/https://tass.com/defense/1543335 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tass.com/defense/1557993 | title=Russia's long-range aviation receives another Tu-22M3 missile carrier plane | access-date=2022-12-31 | archive-date=2022-12-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231131727/https://tass.com/defense/1557993 | url-status=live}}</ref>
;Tu-22M3M
: Tu-22M3 for the [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] with engines from Tu-160M2 (NK-32-02), 80 percent of avionics are replaced or upgraded,<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/bombs-away-russias-new-tu-22m3m-bomber-might-look-familiar-and-still-deadly-33381 |title=Bombs Away: Russia's 'New' Tu-22M3M Bomber Might Look Familiar (And Still Deadly) |first=Sebastien |last=Roblin |date=13 October 2018 |website=The National Interest |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120221118/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/bombs-away-russias-new-tu-22m3m-bomber-might-look-familiar-and-still-deadly-33381 |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> including SVP-24-22 bombsights, a phased array NV-45 radar, GLONASS navigation system, modern digital glass cockpit and engine controls, electronic warfare countermeasures,<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-supersonic-bombers-now-locked-loaded-new-supersonic-23268 |title=Russia's Supersonic Bombers: Now Locked and Loaded with New Supersonic Missiles |first=Dave |last=Majumdar |date=18 November 2017 |website=Nationalinterest.org |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132604/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-supersonic-bombers-now-locked-loaded-new-supersonic-23268 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the ability to use precision air-to-surface weapons. The modernization also counts with installation of [[Aerial refueling|mid-air refueling]] equipment, removed from existing aircraft in 1979 under the [[Strategic Arms Limitation Talks|SALT II]] agreement, that will significantly increase the combat radius of the bomber.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/22590/|title=Tupolev Tu-22M3 to be refueled in mid-air, operate on longer range|website=interfax|date=3 October 2018|accessdate=8 July 2022|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526041819/https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/22590/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Russian Ministry of Defense intends to upgrade up to 30 aircraft out of approximately 60 Tu-22M3s currently in service to the advanced Tu-22M3M variant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/08/russia-rolls-out-first-upgraded-tu-22m3m-long-range-bomber/ |title=Russia Rolls Out First Upgraded Tu-22M3M Long-Range Bomber |first=Franz-Stefan |last=Gady |website=The Diplomat |date=21 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103113824/https://thediplomat.com/2018/08/russia-rolls-out-first-upgraded-tu-22m3m-long-range-bomber/ |archive-date=3 January 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://vpk.name/news/64444_tu22m3_sdelayut_ubiicu_evropro_radi_vyisokotochnoi_raketyi_bombardirovshiku_pomenyayut_vsyu_elektroniku.html |script-title=ru:Ту-22М3 сделают убийцу ЕвроПРО Ради высокоточной ракеты бомбардировщику поменяют всю электронику |language=ru |trans-title=Tu-22M3 aircraft will be capable to overcome NATO air defence, it turns it into a high precision weapon system, all electronics of the aircraft will change |work=VPK |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023091600/http://vpk.name/news/64444_tu22m3_sdelayut_ubiicu_evropro_radi_vyisokotochnoi_raketyi_bombardirovshiku_pomenyayut_vsyu_elektroniku.html |archive-date=23 October 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Can carry 3 [[Kh-32]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2015/03/18/tu22m3-site.html |title=Дальние ракетоносцы Ту-22М3 приземлятся в Крыму |date=18 March 2015 |website=Rg.ru |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702125048/https://rg.ru/2015/03/18/tu22m3-site.html |archive-date=2 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> or 4 [[Kh-47M2 Kinzhal]] missiles.<ref name="ria.ru"/> Service life will be extended to 40–45 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/1016360 |title=Russia's upgraded strategic bomber to feature advanced avionics suite |website=TASS |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227181421/http://tass.com/defense/1016360 |archive-date=27 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 16 August 2018, the first modernized aircraft was unveiled during a roll-out ceremony at the [[Kazan Aircraft Production Association|Kazan Aviation Plant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/1017452 |title=New bomber Tupolev-22M3M presented in Kazan |website=[[TASS]] |date=16 August 2018 |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144142/http://tass.com/defense/1017452 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It performed its maiden flight on 28 December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/1038351 |title=Russia's upgraded Tu-22M3 strategic missile-carrying bomber performs debut flight |website=TASS |access-date=30 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230081231/http://tass.com/defense/1038351 |archive-date=30 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 20 March 2020, the second modernized Tu-22M3M aircraft had its maiden flight.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/latest-modernised-tu-22-strategic-bomber-takes-flight/137445.article |title=Latest modernised Tu-22 strategic bomber takes flight |website= flightglobal.com |access-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321152106/https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/latest-modernised-tu-22-strategic-bomber-takes-flight/137445.article |archive-date=21 March 2020 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 27 May 2020, it was reported that an upgraded Tu-22M3M strategic bomber had undergone trials at supersonic speed during its fourth test flight out of five already conducted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1160887|title=Tupolev aircraft maker confirms testing upgraded Tu-22M3M bomber at supersonic speed|website=TASS|access-date=2023-04-28|archive-date=2023-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428220735/https://tass.com/defense/1160887|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Групповой Удар Ту 22М3.jpg|thumb|Russian Tu-22M3 group airstrike in Syria]]
[[File:ReturnOfTheАircraft2017-06.jpg|thumb|Open Tu-22M3 hatches at [[Shaykovka air base|Shaykovka]] after Syria deployment]]

; {{RUS}}
* [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] – 55 Tu-22M3, 1 Tu-22MR (in overhaul).{{sfn|IISS|2025|page=}}
** [[Olenya (air base)]]
*** 40th Mixed Aviation Regiment<ref name="gfsis.org">{{cite web |url=https://www.gfsis.org/maps/russian-military-forces |title=Russian Military Forces: Interactive Map |access-date=2021-01-21 |archive-date=2021-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127194820/https://www.gfsis.org/maps/russian-military-forces |url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division|6952nd Air Base]] – [[Belaya (air base)]], [[Irkutsk Oblast]]<ref name="gfsis.org"/>
*** Elements of [[326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division]] (HQ: [[Ukrainka (air base)|Ukrainka]])
** 43rd Center for Combat Application and Training of Aircrew for Long Range Aviation – [[Dyagilevo (air base)]], [[Ryazan Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/schools/43tsbppls.htm|title=43rd Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel DA|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705065004/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/schools/43tsbppls.htm|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 1st Instructor Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment
** [[Shaykovka (air base)]], [[Kaluga Oblast]]
*** 52nd Heavy Bomber Regiment of the [[22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division]]

===Former operators===
[[File:Soviet Tu-22M Backfire-B bomber aircraft in flight.JPEG|thumb|Soviet Tu-22M1 Backfire-B bomber aircraft in flight]]
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M-3 Backfire-C (14445856054).jpg|thumb|Soviet Tupolev Tu-22M-3 'Backfire C', 1992]]

; {{RUS}}
* [[Russian Naval Aviation]] – Tu-22M3s of the [[Northern Fleet]] and [[Pacific Fleet (Russia)|Pacific Fleet]] were transferred to the Russian Air Force in 2011.
** Northern Fleet
*** 924th Maritime Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment – [[Olenya (air base)]], [[Murmansk Oblast]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/924gvmrap.htm|title=924th Guards Kievskiy Red Banner order of Suvorov Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307215604/http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/924gvmrap.htm|archive-date=7 March 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> (now 40th Mixed Aviation Regiment of Russian [[Russian Long Range Aviation|Long Range Aviation]]
** Pacific Fleet
*** 568th Composite Aviation Regiment – [[Kamenny Ruchey]], [[Khabarovsk Krai]]
; {{USSR}}
* [[Soviet Air Forces]] – aircraft were transferred to Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces after the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]].
** [[22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division]]
*** 200th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Babruysk]], [[Mogilev Region]], [[Byelorussian SSR]]
*** 260th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Stryi Air Base]], [[Lviv Oblast]], [[Ukrainian SSR]]
** [[326th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division]]
*** 132nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Raadi Airfield]], [[Estonian SSR]]
*** 402nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Balbasovo Air Base]], [[Vitebsk Region]], Byelorussian SSR
*** 840th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Soltsy-2 (air base)]], [[Novgorod Oblast]], [[Russian SFSR]]
** 13th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division<ref name="13th division">{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/13gvtbad.htm|title=13th Guards Dnepropetrovsko-Budapeshtskaya order of Suvorov Heavy Bomber Aviation Division|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001029/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/13gvtbad.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 184th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Pryluky Air Base]], [[Chernihiv Oblast]], Ukrainian SSR<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/184gvtbap.htm|title=184th Guards Poltavsko-Berlinskiy Red Banner Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615020510/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/regiment/bap/184gvtbap.htm|archive-date=15 June 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 185th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – [[Poltava Air Base]], [[Poltava Oblast]], Ukrainian SSR
*** 52nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment – Shaykovka (air base), Kaluga Oblast, Russian SFSR
* [[Soviet Naval Aviation]]
** 5th Maritime Missile Aviation Division<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/5mrad.htm|title=5th Kirkenesskaya Red Banner Maritime Missile Aviation Division|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307215447/http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/5mrad.htm|archive-date=7 March 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 574th Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – [[Lakhta air base]], [[Arkhangelsk Oblast]], Russian SFSR
*** 924th Guards Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – Olenya (air base), Murmansk Oblast, Russian SFSR
** 2nd Guards Maritime Missile Aviation Division<ref name="2nd division">{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/2gvmrad.htm|title=2nd Guards Sevastopolskaya Maritime Missile Aviation Division imeni N.A. Tokarev|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017190918/http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/2gvmrad.htm|archive-date=17 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 5th Guards Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – Veseloye, [[Crimean Oblast]], Ukrainian SSR
*** 943rd Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – [[Oktiabrske]], Crimean Oblast, Ukrainian SSR
** 33rd Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel Aviation VMF – Kulbakino Air Base, [[Mykolaiv]], Ukrainian SSR<ref name="33rd center">{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/33tsbppls.htm|title=33rd Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel Aviation VMF imeni E.N. Preobrazhenskogo|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005003158/http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/33tsbppls.htm|archive-date=5 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 540th Instructor-Research Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M-3, Ukraine - Air Force AN1191613.jpg|thumb|A Ukrainian Tupolev Tu-22M3 in 2000]]
[[File:TU-22 scrapyard.jpg|thumb|A Ukrainian Tu-22M3 is dismantled in 2002 with assistance from the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program implemented by the [[Defense Threat Reduction Agency]].]]
; {{UKR}}
* [[Ukrainian Air Force]] and Navy inherited a large number of Tu-22M2/M3 bombers. 60 Tu-22Ms (17 Tu-22M2 and 43 Tu-22M3) and 423 [[Kh-22]] cruise missiles were scrapped under the [[Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction]] agreement led by the US.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukraine Bomber Decommissioning and Transfer Chronology |url=http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/ukraine_bomber.pdf?_=1317244859 |publisher=Nuclear Threat Initiative |date=April 2005 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813101836/https://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/ukraine_bomber.pdf?_=1317244859 |archive-date=13 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2006/01/26/100145.html|title=В ПОЛТАВЕ ГОТОВЯТСЯ К УТИЛИЗАЦИИ ПОСЛЕДНЕГО БОМБАРДИРОВЩИКА|website=aviaport.ru|date=26 January 2006|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211160534/https://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2006/01/26/100145.html|archive-date=11 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The last bombers were scrapped in January 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/events/143474-ukraina-likvidirovala-poslednij-bombardirovshchik-obnovleno|script-title=ru:Украина ликвидировала последний бомбардировщик|language=ru|trans-title=Ukraine eliminated the last bomber|website=Korrespondent.net|date=27 January 2006|access-date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033652/https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/events/143474-ukraina-likvidirovala-poslednij-bombardirovshchik-obnovleno|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
** 13th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division – [[Poltava Air Base]], Poltava Oblast<ref name="13th division"/>
*** 185th Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment
** 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division – Stryi Air Base, Lviv Oblast<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/22gvtbad.htm|title=22nd Guards Donbasskaya Red Banner Heavy Bomber Aviation Division|website=ww2.dk|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009055456/http://www.ww2.dk/new/air%20force/division/bad/22gvtbad.htm|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*** 260th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment
* [[Ukrainian Naval Aviation]]
** 2nd Guards Maritime Missile Aviation Division<ref name="2nd division"/>
*** 5th Guards Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – Veseloye, [[Crimea]]
*** 943rd Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment – [[Oktiabrske]], Crimea
** 33rd Center for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel Aviation VMF – Kulbakino Air Base, [[Mykolaiv]]<ref name="33rd center"/>
*** 540th Instructor-Research Maritime Missile Aviation Regiment
* 1 Tu-22M3 in the [[Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doroga.ua/poi/Poltavskaya/Poltava/Muzej_daljnej_aviacii/1304|script-title=ru:Музей дальней авиации|language=ru|trans-title=Museum of long-range aviation|website=doroga.ua|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818230258/http://www.doroga.ua/poi/Poltavskaya/Poltava/Muzej_daljnej_aviacii/1304|archive-date=18 August 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* 1 Tu-22M0, 1 Tu-22M2 and 1 Tu-22M3 in the [[Ukraine State Aviation Museum]]

== Notable accidents and losses ==
* On 16 September 2017, a Tu-22M3 overran the runway at [[Shaykovka (air base)|Shaykovka Air Base]] due to an aborted take off. The aircraft was written off. All four crew members survived without injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://iz.ru/645837/2017-09-14/samolet-tu-22-vykatilsia-s-polosy-v-kaluzhskoi-oblasti |script-title=ru:Самолет Ту-22 выкатился с полосы в Калужской области |website=iz.ru |language=ru |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001121943/https://iz.ru/645837/2017-09-14/samolet-tu-22-vykatilsia-s-polosy-v-kaluzhskoi-oblasti |archive-date=1 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* On 22 January 2019, a Tu-22M3 crash-landed after a training flight while attempting to make a landing at the [[Olenya (air base)|Olenya Air Base]] near the city of [[Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast|Olenegorsk]] in Russia's Murmansk region. Three of the four crew members died in the crash.<ref name=Tass20210323/> A video shows the aircraft making a hard landing, which instantly ruptured the airframe and detached the forward cockpit area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26178/dramatic-video-of-russian-tu-22m3-crash-landing-in-bad-weather-emerges |title=Dramatic Video Of Russian Tu-22M3 Crash Landing In Bad Weather Emerges (Updated) |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway |website=The Drive |date=26 January 2019 |access-date=27 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127110250/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26178/dramatic-video-of-russian-tu-22m3-crash-landing-in-bad-weather-emerges |archive-date=27 January 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Катастрофа Ту-22М3 22 января 2019 года |trans-title=Tu-22M3 Disaster 22 January 2019 |language=ru |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzvzxEzTphE |website=youtube.com |access-date=26 December 2024 |date=26 January 2019}}</ref>
* On 23 March 2021, a Tu-22M3's ejection system malfunctioned,<ref>{{cite news |title=3 Russian bomber pilots killed by ejection system glitch |url=https://apnews.com/article/3-russian-bomber-pilots-killed-faulty-ejection-seats-988ee4d8b00fbe276dcef6cd055d5dbd |work=AP News |date=23 March 2021 |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324005714/https://apnews.com/article/3-russian-bomber-pilots-killed-faulty-ejection-seats-988ee4d8b00fbe276dcef6cd055d5dbd |url-status=live}}</ref> suddenly activating while still on the ground. The incident resulted in the deaths of three crew members and the hospitalization of a fourth.<ref>{{Cite web|title=One crewmember survives incident with Tu-22M3 bomber near Kaluga, says source|url=https://tass.com/emergencies/1269303|access-date=2021-03-23|website=TASS|archive-date=2021-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323122348/https://tass.com/emergencies/1269303|url-status=live}}</ref> An official from Russia's Defense Ministry said that "due to the insufficient altitude for parachute opening, three crew members received fatal injuries upon landing".<ref name=Tass20210323>{{Cite web|title=Three servicemen die in Tu-22 bomber incident at airfield near Kaluga|url=https://tass.com/emergencies/1269273|access-date=2021-03-23|website=TASS|archive-date=2021-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323112149/https://tass.com/emergencies/1269273|url-status=live}}</ref> The aircraft was at [[Shaykovka (air base)|Shaykovka Air Base]] undergoing engine start procedures.
* On 19 August 2023, a Tu-22M3 was destroyed by a drone strike from the [[2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive]] while on the ground at [[Soltsy-2 (air base)|Soltsy-2]] in [[Novgorod Oblast]]. Satellite pictures of the air base showed that the other bombers stationed there had been evacuated, while photographs taken on the ground showed the plane that had been hit by the drone ablaze and was completely destroyed by the resultant fire.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Howard |last1=Altman |first2=Tyler |last2=Rogoway |date=2023-08-22 |title=Destroyed Tu-22M Seen At Now Empty Russian Airbase |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/destroyed-tu-22m-seen-at-now-empty-russian-airbase |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=The Drive |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829203624/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/destroyed-tu-22m-seen-at-now-empty-russian-airbase |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* On 19 April 2024, a Tu-22M3 crashed in the [[Stavropol Krai|Stavropol region]] of Russia. Video shows the aircraft in a [[Flat spin (aviation)|flat spin]] with visible flames on the rear of the aircraft. Ukrainian sources claimed that the bomber was shot down using a [[surface-to-air missile]],<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-04-19 |title=Russian Long-Range Strategic Bomber Crashes, Ukraine Claims Responsibility |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/04/19/russian-long-range-strategic-bomber-crashes-ukraine-claims-responsibility-a84894 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref> with the loss of the Tu-22M3 being the second confirmed kill of a strategic bomber during the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=Air Force: Ukraine downs Russian Tu-22M3 bomber for first time |url=https://kyivindependent.com/air-force-ukraine-downs-russian-tu-22m3-bomber-for-first-time/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}</ref>
* On 15 August 2024, a Tu-22M3 crashed in the [[Irkutsk Oblast]] of Russia while performing a "routine flight". The preliminary cause of the crash is said to be a technical malfunction. According to the Ministry of Defense, the crew ejected before their plane crashed.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-04-19 |title=Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Irkutsk Region, crew survives — top brass |url=https://tass.com/defense/1829657 |website=TASS |language=en}}</ref> Initially all crew were reported alive by Irkutsk Oblast Governor [[Igor Kobzev]], however he later clarified that a pilot had died. The other crew members were in hospital with "injuries of varying severity."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Russian Strategic Bomber Crashes in Siberia, Killing 1 Crew Member |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/15/russian-strategic-bomber-crashes-in-siberia-killing-1-crew-member-a86038 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref>
* On 2 April 2025, a Tu-22M3 crashed in the [[Irkutsk]] region. The pilot was killed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-02 |title=Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Irkutsk region |url=https://defence-blog.com/russian-tu-22m3-bomber-crashes-in-irkutsk-region/ |website=Defence Blog |author=Dylan Malyasov |access-date=2025-04-02 |language=en}}</ref>

==Specifications (Tu-22M3)==
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22M3 four-view silhouette.png|alt=|thumb|Orthographic projection of the Tupolev Tu-22M]]
[[File:Tupolev Tu-26 BACKFIRE.png|thumb|Tupolev Tu-26 Backfire]]
[[File:Tupolev Tu-22m, NATO "Backfire" (8911304464) (2).jpg|thumb|1 × 23 mm [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23|GSh-23]] cannon in remotely controlled tail turret]]
[[File:Туполев Ту-22 , Полтава-4 RP2985.jpg|thumb|18 × [[FAB-500]] general-purpose bomb on two fuselage mounted pylons]]
[[File:X-22 under Tu-22M3.jpg|thumb|A Raduga [[Kh-32]] anti-ship missile under a Tu-22M3|alt=]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Frawley,<ref>Frawley 2002, p. 163.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=4 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, weapon systems officer)
|length m=42.46
|length note={{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|span m=34.28
|span note=spread (20° sweep)
::::{{cvt|23.3|m|0}} swept (65° sweep)
|height m=11.05
|height note=
|wing area sqm=183.6
|wing area note=spread (20° sweep)
::::{{cvt|175.8|m2|0}} swept (65° sweep)
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=58000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=112000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=126000
|max takeoff weight note={{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* '''Maximum take-off weight, rocket assisted:''' {{cvt|126400|kg|0}}
|fuel capacity={{cvt|54000|kg|0}} internal
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Kuznetsov NK-25]]
|eng1 type=[[Afterburning turbofan]] engines
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 note=
|eng1 kn-ab=247.9
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=1997
|max speed note={{citation needed|date=August 2020}} at {{convert|30000|ft|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on|order=flip}}
|max speed mach=1.88
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=6800
|range note=
|combat range km=2500
|combat range note=with typical 10,000 kg weapons load<ref>{{cite web|url=http://army-news.ru/2018/03/na-chto-sposobna-odna-eskadrilya-su-34/|title=На что способна одна эскадрилья Су-34? - Армейский вестник|website=army-news.ru|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320140948/http://army-news.ru/2018/03/na-chto-sposobna-odna-eskadrilya-su-34/|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|ferry range km=7000
|ferry range note={{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=13300
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=15
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=688
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=0.45
|more performance=<!--
* '''Take-off run:''' {{cvt|2000|-|2100|m|0}}
* '''Take-off run to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
* '''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
* '''Landing run from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
<!--   Armament
-->
|guns=1 × 23-mm [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L|GSh-23]] [[autocannon|cannon]] in remotely controlled tail turret
|hardpoints= wing and fuselage pylons and internal weapons bay
|hardpoint capacity= {{convert|24000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of
:* Up to 18 × [[FAB-500]] general-purpose bomb in weapons bay and on wing pylons ''or''
:* Up to 3 × [[Kh-22]]/[[Kh-32]] missiles in weapons bay and on wing pylons ''or''
:* Up to 6 × [[Kh-15]] missiles on a MKU-6-1 rotary launcher in its bomb bay, plus 4 × Raduga Kh-15 missiles on two underwing pylons for a total of 10 missiles per aircraft.
:* Up to 4 × [[Kh-47M2 Kinzhal]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/1013992|title=Russia tests strategic bomber with new air-to-surface missile|website=Tass.com|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723095009/http://tass.com/defense/1013992|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
:* Various sea mines<ref>{{cite web|url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/january-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4754-russian-tupolev-tu-22m3-long-range-bombers-practiced-laying-mines-in-maritime-zones.html|title=Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bombers practiced laying mines in maritime zones|website=Navyrecognition.com|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817023105/http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/january-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/4754-russian-tupolev-tu-22m3-long-range-bombers-practiced-laying-mines-in-maritime-zones.html|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and freefall bombs – 69 × [[FAB-250]] or 8 × [[FAB-1500]] might be typical.
The [[Kh-55]] (AS-15 ''Kent'') long-range cruise missile was tested on the Tu-22M<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0485.html |title=Kh-55 (AS-15 ''Kent''/Kh-555/RKV-500/Kh-65) |journal=Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=6 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204185720/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0485.html|archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> but apparently not used in service.
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also= <!-- first, the related articles that do not fit the specific entries: -->
|related= <!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[Tupolev Tu-98]]
* [[Tupolev Tu-160]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer]]
|lists= <!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}
{{clear}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite magazine |title=Backfire Proliferates |magazine=Air International |date=October 1980 |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=186–188 |issn=0306-5634 |ref={{harvid|''Air International'' October 1980}}}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Butowski |first=Piotr |title=Anti-carrier striker |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=March 2019 |volume=96 |issue=3 |pages=44–47 |issn=0306-5634}}
* Donald, David, ed. "Tupolev Tu-22M". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.
* Frawley, Gerald. "Tupolev Tu-22M". ''The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003''. Aerospace Publications, 2002. {{ISBN|1-875671-55-2}}.
* Gordon, Yefim; Rigmant, Vladimir; Komissarov, Dmitri (1999). ''Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder Tu-22M Backfire: Russia's Long Range Supersonic Bombers''. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing. {{ISBN|1857800656}}.
* {{cite magazine|last=Healey|first=John K.|title=Retired Warriors: 'Cold War' Bomber Legacy |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]] |date=January–February 2004|issue=109 |pages=75–79 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2025| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=olpEEQAAQBAJ| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=12 February 2025| publisher=Routledge| location=London| isbn=978-1-003-63076-0| ref={{sfnRef|IISS|2025}} }}
* Kandalov, Andrei; Duffy, Paul (1996). ''Tupolev – The Man and His Aircraft: The Man and His Aircraft''. Society of Automotive Engineers. {{ISBN|1560918993}}.
* Taylor, J.W.R. (ed.) ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980–81''. London: Jane's Publishing, 1980. {{ISBN|0-7106-0705-9}}.
* Wilson, Stewart (2000). ''Combat Aircraft since 1945''. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications. {{ISBN|1-875671-50-1}}.
* The product «45-03». Technical manual.

==External links==
{{subject bar|auto=y|d=y}}
* [http://airwar.ru/enc/bomber/tu22m3.html Tu-22M3 page on airwar.ru] {{in lang|ru}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930170751/http://www1.airliners.net/search/photo.search?front=yes&s=1&keywords=Tupolev%20Tu-22M Tu-22M photos at Airliners.net]

{{Tupolev aircraft}}
{{USAF/DoD reporting names}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Tupolev aircraft|Tu-0022M]]
[[Category:1970s Soviet bomber aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Variable-sweep-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1969]]
[[Category:Strategic bombers]]