Two Russian Tu-160 strategic missile carriers conducted a patrol over the Baltic Sea. This was reported on Tuesday, June 15, by the Russian Defense Ministry.
They specified that the Tu-160 long-range aircraft made a planned flight of about eight hours over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea.
"The fighter escort was provided by the crews of the Su-35s of the Aerospace Forces and the Su-27 of the Baltic Fleet Naval Aviation," the ministry added.
It is noted that at certain stages of the route, Russian strategic missile carriers were accompanied by F-35 fighters of the Italian Air Force, F-16 of the Danish Air Force, Saab JAS 35 Gripen of the Swedish Air Force.
Long-range aviation crews regularly conduct flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic, the North Atlantic, the Black and Baltic Seas, and the Pacific Ocean. At the same time, all flights are carried out in strict accordance with the international rules for the use of airspace.
So, in April, two Tu-160s also made a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. Germany, Denmark and Finland raised fighter jets to accompany them.
In May, Russian strategic missile carriers flew over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea. Then the flight duration exceeded seven hours.