The Last Tu-22M3 in Ukraine is Destroyed
On January 27, 2006, in Poltava, the final Ukrainian Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber was dismantled. This action was part of the international Cooperative Threat Reduction program, which aimed to reduce the risks of nuclear weapons proliferation and enhance global security. Under this initiative, Ukraine eliminated a total of 60 strategic bombers, including 17 Tu-22M2 and 43 Tu-22M3 models, as well as 423 Kh-22 cruise missiles. This program was a key post-Cold War effort to secure and dismantle former Soviet weapons of mass destruction.
The Cooperative Threat Reduction Initiative
Launched in the 1990s, the Cooperative Threat Reduction program was implemented with financial and technical support from the United States. The process of dismantling the aircraft was carried out with the involvement of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) starting December 12, 1991. The strategic bombers had been based at two Ukrainian airfields—in Poltava and Pryluky.
The destruction of the last Tu-22M3 thus marked the final stage of a program designed to mitigate nuclear-related threats and promote global stability. This disarmament step was particularly significant given Ukraine's voluntary renunciation of the nuclear arsenal it inherited after the Soviet Union's collapse.
The elimination of the Tu-22M3 fleet in Ukraine represented a major milestone in global arms control and nuclear threat reduction. The program not only facilitated the disposal of a substantial quantity of military hardware but also signaled Ukraine's commitment to cooperating with the international community on security matters. The results of this initiative underscore the country's dedication to adhering to international non-proliferation agreements.