Russian Nuclear-Capable Bomber Crashes, Six Crew Members Killed

A Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber has crashed during a training flight in the Amur region of Russia’s Far East, killing at least six crew members and injuring another, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

Russian state media reported on Tuesday that the aircraft went down in an uninhabited area of the region, which borders China.

The TASS news agency reported that the aircraft was not carrying ammunition at the time of the crash.

Russia’s military said a commission from the Aerospace Forces had been sent to the crash site to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Unverified videos shared on social media appeared to show large amounts of smoke rising from the burning aircraft.

The Tupolev Tu-95 is a Soviet-era strategic bomber capable of carrying and delivering nuclear weapons. The aircraft first flew in 1952 and entered military service in 1956. It remains in use by the Russian military, including during routine military exercises.

The crash comes amid a history of military and civilian aircraft accidents in Russia’s Far East. In July 2025, an Antonov An-24 aircraft crashed while travelling to Tynda, killing all 48 people on board. In August 2021, a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, killing several people.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the Tu-95 crash.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share