Russian Tu-160 bombers patrol over Barents, Norwegian seas

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tu-160 strategic bombers completed a scheduled 16-hour flight over the Barents and Norwegian Seas, including aerial refueling during the mission. The ministry stated that the Tu-160 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out the operation over neutral waters, and it did not specify the dates when it occurred. Russian MiG-31 fighters provided escort for parts of the route, and the ministry added that at certain stages the bombers were also accompanied by fighter jets from foreign countries. It said all flights by Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft are conducted in strict compliance with international rules governing airspace use. The announcement follows a broader pattern described by the ministry, saying long-range Russian aviation regularly flies over neutral waters in regions including the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic and Black Seas.