page_title: Tupolev Tu-22
section_title: Operators
hierarchical_section_title: Tupolev Tu-22 / Operators
caption_attribution_description: Operators of the Tupolev Tu-22 "Blinder". Own work, derivative of File:BlankMap-World.png.
context_page_description: The Tupolev Tu-22 was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union and the world's first aircraft of its class. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22 entered service with the Soviet military in the 1960s. The last examples were retired during the early 2000s. Produced in comparatively small numbers, the aircraft was a disappointment, lacking the intercontinental range that had been expected. Later in their service life, Tu-22s were used as launch platforms for the Soviet Kh-22 standoff missile, and as reconnaissance aircraft. Tu-22s were sold to other nations, including Libya and Iraq. The Tu-22 was one of the few Soviet bombers to see combat; Libyan Tu-22s were used against Tanzania and Chad, and Iraqi Tu-22s were used during the Iran–Iraq War.
context_section_description:  Libya
  Libyan Air Force – retired due to lack of spare parts in early 2000s.
   Iraq
  Iraqi Air Force – received 12 aircraft. All destroyed during the Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War.
  36th Squadron
   Russia
  Russian Air Force – retired, 10 in reserve.
  Russian Naval Aviation – retired
   Ukraine
  Ukrainian Air Force – retired
  Ukrainian Naval Aviation – retired
  1 Tu-22KD in the Poltava Museum of Long-Range and Strategic Aviation.
   Soviet Union
  Soviet Air Forces – aircraft were transferred to Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
  Soviet Naval Aviation
caption: Former operators of the Tu-22
exif: {}