Article Posted on : - Apr 12, 2010

A file photo of Russia's Tu-95MS Bear bomber.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian Air Force's two strategic bombers have conducted a 'routine' patrolling mission over the Pacific Ocean last week.

Two Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers took off from the Ukrainka air base on April 8, 2010 and flew over the area of Aleutian Islands in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The bombers flew in the region for about 15 hours during which an in-flight refuelling was performed from the IL-78 tanker aircraft.

Two of Canadian Air Force's F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft “accompanied” the Russian bombers, the Ministry said.

Last month, Russia’s Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers had patrolled over the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Britain later sent its Tornado F3 fighters, alleging that the bombers tried to violate its airspace, a charge dismissed by Russia.

Russia carries out regular patrolling missions over the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

All flights by the Air Force have been carried out “in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters, without violating the borders of other States,” the ministry said.