and Air Force drills. Ukraine On 15 April 2022, Ukrainian Defence Ministry stated Russia used Tu-22M3 bombers to strike targets in Mariupol for the first time since it has started its invasion to Ukraine. Earlier it was also reported, FAB-3000M-46 dumb bombs were reactivated in Russia for use with Tu-22M3 bombers to strike targets at Azovstal iron and steel works plant that became the last bastion for Ukrainian troops in the besieged city of Mariupol. On 11 May 2022, a video emerged on internet showing a Russian Air Force Tu-22M3 bomber launching of two Kh-22 missiles at targets somewhere in Ukraine. On 5 December 2022, Russian Air Force Tu-22M3 bomber, identified as RF-34110, was shown damaged as a result of a long-range drone attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the Dyagilevo air base near city of Ryazan. Images on social media showed at least the engine outputs and the trailing edge of the stabilizers damaged. Export The Tupolev company has sought export customers for the Tu-22M since 1992, with possible customers including Iran, India and the People's Republic of China, but no sales have apparently been made. Unlike the Tu-22 bomber, Tu-22Ms were not exported to Middle East countries that were threatened by the US military presence in the region. During 1999, India signed a lease-to-buy contract for four Tu-22M aircraft for maritime reconnaissance and strike purposes, which came in IAF service during 2001. At the time, the aircraft were to be delivered with Raduga Kh-22 cruise missiles. In January 2013, reports emerged that China had signed a purchase agreement for the production and delivery of 36 Tu-22M3s, under the Chinese designation of H-10, with many components to be manufactured domestically in China under a technology transfer agreement with Russia and Tupolev. Sales of the Russian-built Raduga Kh-22 long-range anti-ship missile and the fleet's intended use as a maritime strike platform have also been speculated upon. Rosoboronexport has reportedly denied any sales or negotiations with China regarding the Tu-22M. Variants Tu-22M(0) Earliest pre-production variant, 9 were produced. Tu-22M1 Pilot-production aircraft, 9 were produced in 1971 and 1972. Its NATO reporting name was Backfire-A. Tu-22M2 The first major production version, entering production in 1972, was the Tu-22M2 (NATO: Backfire-B), with longer wings and an extensively redesigned, area ruled fuselage (raising the crew complement to four), twin NK-22 engines (215 kN thrust each) with distinctive intake ramps, and new undercarriage