According to several channels linked to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia’s latest missile assault on Ukraine, carried out between September 2–3, was severely hampered by widespread technical problems across its strategic bomber fleet.
Reports indicate that the Russian Air Force had planned to launch around 40 air-launched cruise missiles targeting cities in western Ukraine. However, only eight missiles were successfully fired, highlighting what sources describe as some of the most significant operational setbacks for Moscow’s long-range aviation in months.
The Telegram channel Dossier Spy detailed a series of malfunctions:
• The Tu-160 “Ivan Yarygin” (Tail Number 04) reportedly failed to launch due to a malfunction in its missile release mechanism, rendering the bomber’s payload useless during the mission.
• Another Tu-160, named “Alexey Plokhov” (Tail Number 16), was allegedly struck by lightning mid-flight, sustaining cockpit glazing damage and forcing its crew to abort and return to base.
• A third aircraft, type unspecified, was said to have experienced a critical failure on the runway at Engels Airbase, preventing it from taking off entirely.
Ukrainian authorities have not publicly verified the accounts, while Moscow has issued no immediate comment.
