Original published at warfiles.ru; translated from Russian by J.Hawk
Information recently appeared in expert media on the possibility of Russia attacking IS positions in Syria using Tu-22M3 bombers.
The Tu-22M3 is a heavy missile carrier with a large flight radius and a heavy payload. A single Tu-22M3 sortie could deliver ordnance against dozens of positions. A flight of Tu-22M3 has been deployed to Mozdok in North Ossetia. Numerous bloggers have reported Tu-22M3 presence at Mozdok. A writer who has contacts in the Russian armed forces wrote the following:
“No missions have been assigned to the Tu-22M3 yet. Given the power of this type of aircraft, a single flight of four Tu-22M3 could level targets in half of Syria from an altitude that makes it invulnerable to any air defenses in the region.”
With Tu-22M3 cruising speed of 930km/hr, it would cover the 2500km to Syria in 2 hours and 44 minutes
What are we to draw from this?
Russia is prepared to use long-range aviation to destroy IS militants if such a need arises. Tu-22M3 bombers are ready to depart for Syria at any moment, with only 2 hours and approximately 44 minutes of flight separating them from utterly destroying any terrorist target.
J.Hawk’s Comment: No doubt such preparations are being made. Tu-22M3 exercises have been noted in SouthFront’s weekly Russia Military Map reports, and likewise Mozdok has become something of a forward operating base for airlift flights between Russia and Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
These reports also appear to be part of a “war of nerves” between Russia and the Islamists (as well as their sponsors). The “war” began with Qatar making noises about supplying shoulder-launched SAMs and even engaging in a military intervention in Syria. Russia responded with reports of preparing to up its air campaign to 200 sorties a day, using long-range bombers to strike IS targets, and preparations of a small ground force contingent to bolster the Syrian Army. The message is that should IS sponsors wish to up the ante, Russia is willing to see them and raise them.
Great opportunity to make practice runs at destroying enemy groups using the TU-22M3 bombers.Also flying directly from Mozdok might be a plus for testing strategic bombing planning.
The sooner the better.