The Tupolev Tu22M Backfire is a long-range aircraft capable of performing nuclear and conventional attack, anti-ship, and reconnaissance missions. The BACKFIRE can be equipped with probes to permit in-flight refueling, which would further increase its range and flexibility.
The first TU-22 prototype "105" flew in 1958. Entered production in 1960 at Kazan aviation plant, over 300 Tu-22 were built by 1969. Was used in Afghanistan War, in Iraq-Iran War, during the conflicts in Sudan and Chad. During 1970s, modified Tu-22 variation.
Tu-22M made a few simulated attack runs against US navy carrier battle group. The bomber also made attempts to test Japan air defense boundary in several occasions. However unlike Tu-22 bomber, Tu-22M bombers were not exported to middle-east countries that posted threat to US military in the region.
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