Russian Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers have carried out a routine patrol flight over the Norwegian Sea, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.
"Two Tu-95MS strategic bombers took off from Engels Airbase [in Saratov Region] on May 12 and carried out patrols over neutral waters in Norwegian Sea," spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.
During the 12-hour mission, the crews practiced instrumental guidance flights and in-flight refueling.
All flights by Russian aircraft are performed in strict compliance with international law on the use of airspace over neutral waters, without intruding in the airspace of other states.
However, the Russian bombers were shadowed by a NATO F-16 Falcon fighter jet during the patrol.
Russia resumed strategic bomber patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans in August 2007, following an order from then-President Vladimir Putin.
MOSCOW, May14 (RIA Novosti)
