Global Security Newswire

Russia sent four nuclear-capable strategic bombers on patrol missions over the Arctic and Atlantic oceans yesterday, RIA Novosti reported (see GSN, Jan. 6).

"Two Tu-160 strategic bombers carried out on Wednesday a regular patrol flight over the Norwegian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The crews honed their instrumental flight skills and accomplished several other tasks," said Russian air force official Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik. "On the same day, two Tu-95MS bombers carried out similar patrols over the Arctic Ocean and near the Aleutian Islands."

NATO F-16 fighter jets flew alongside the Tu-160 bombers for parts of their 12-hour mission while U.S. F-15 Eagle fighter jets followed the Tu-95 aircraft during their 10-hour run.

Drik stressed that the bombers remained in international airspace at all times.

Russia again began sending strategic bombers on long-range patrols in August 2007 after suspending the practice after the end of the Cold War (RIA Novosti, Jan. 21).