A Russian Tu-95MS bomber went down minutes after takeoff near the village of Krasnoyarovo in the Amur region on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to the Defence Ministry.
The aircraft, a nuclear‑capable strategic bomber normally flown without armament during training sorties, exploded in a remote area, leaving flames and smoke visible from the ground.
Seven crew members were aboard, six of whom perished, while the surviving pilot was extracted and transported to a hospital.
Video footage captured the crash, showing the aircraft breaking apart and emitting a loud, crackling sound, though confirmation of the footage remains pending.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that an investigation would be launched, and the Russian Air Forces are reviewing maintenance records for similar aircraft.
The incident comes as Russia continues to conduct routine exercises with its strategic bomber fleet, raising questions about safety protocols in the vast Far East.