Two Russian Tu-160s Failed to Launch Missiles at Ukraine Due to Technical Problems

During a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine on the night of September 2 to 3, three Russian bombers failed to launch due to technical problems.

This was reported by the Telegram channel Dosye Shpiona.

It is noted that the strategic bomber Tu-160 “Ivan Yarygin”, tail number “04”, did not launch missiles due to the failure of the launcher mechanism.

Another Tu-160, the Aleksey Plokhov, tail number 16, was struck by lightning while performing a mission.

The incident damaged the cockpit windows, forcing the crew to stop the flight and return to the airfield.

In addition, another aircraft, the type of which is not specified, was unable to take off from the airfield in Engels.

The reasons for the third plane’s failure are currently unknown.

The failure of two aircraft may indicate the inability of the Russian military-industrial complex to properly maintain strategic aircraft.

The problems may also be the result of intensive use and exhaustion of the life of individual components and assemblies.

An additional factor may be Operation Spiderweb, in which the Security Service of Ukraine destroyed and damaged a significant portion of Russian strategic aircraft.

A Tu-95 strategic bomber in the sights of an FPV drone. Screenshot from the video

Both aircraft flying combat missions and aircraft used as donors for spare parts were hit.

As a result, Russian aviation may face a shortage of components to repair and restore the combat capability of missile-carrying bombers.