Russian Tu-22M3 and MiG-31 fighters conducted planned flights over neutral waters of the Baltic and Caspian Seas on Tuesday, March 12. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the flights were carried out without violating any international airspace.
“The long-range aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted planned flights in the airspace over neutral waters of the Baltic and Caspian Seas,” the ministry said in a statement.
It is noted that the task was carried out by long-range bombers Tu-22M3 and MiG-31 with the Kinzhal aviation complex. During the flight, the crews of the MiG-31 practiced mid-air refueling. The flights were escorted by Su-30SM and Su-35S aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces. In addition, Russian aircraft were accompanied by fighters from foreign countries on certain sections of the route.
In December, it was reported that two Russian Tu-22M3 bombers conducted a five-hour flight over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, and were accompanied by foreign fighters on certain sections of the route. The ministry added that the crews of the long-range aircraft regularly carry out similar flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black and Baltic Seas, as well as the Pacific Ocean.
Earlier, it was reported that Russia’s long-range aviation will be replenished with aircraft “based on new principles.”
