The Tupolev Tu-22 (NATO reporting name: Blinder) was the first supersonic bomber to enter production in the Soviet Union. Manufactured by Tupolev, the Tu-22 entered service with the Soviet military in the 1960s.

Role
Medium bomber
Manufacturer
Tupolev
First flight
7 September 1959
Introduction
1962
Retired
Early 2000s (Libya)
Primary users
Soviet Air Force
Ukrainian Air Force
Libyan Air Force
Iraqi Air Force
Produced
1960–1969
Number built
311
Developed into
Tupolev Tu-22M

The aircraft was a disappointment, lacking both the speed and range that had been expected. It was also a difficult design to fly and maintain. It was produced in small numbers, especially compared to the Tupolev Tu-16 it was designed to replace. The aircraft was later adapted for other roles, notably as the Tu-22R reconnaissance aircraft and as carriers for the long-range Kh-22 antiship missile.

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. The last examples were retired during the early 2000s.