Russian Tu-160s conducted a 16-hour flight over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea
The Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers of Russia’s Aerospace Forces conducted a 16-hour test flight in neutral airspace over the Barents and Norwegian Seas.
During the flight, the crews practiced in-flight refueling, a key element of long-range strategic aviation that significantly extends the aircraft’s operational range.
According to the Russian side, the flight was routine. It was escorted by MiG-31 fighters, and in certain sections of the route, fighter jets from other countries—which were not specified—were observed taking off.
The Russian Ministry of Defense did not name the countries whose aircraft participated in the escort, but it noted that Russia borders NATO countries to the north, specifically Norway and Finland.
Reuters reported this, citing a statement from the Russian military.
Russia continues to showcase its Tu-160 strategic bombers as a symbol of its nuclear might, but the actual state of this fleet has turned out to be significantly more modest. Of the 18 modernized aircraft, only seven are regularly used for combat strikes against Ukraine.
