SEVEROMORSK. Sept 4 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Northern Fleet's air forces have carried out another stage of flights over the Arctic region as part of their annual combat training plan.
The flights were performed over the Barents and Laptev Seas by Tupolev Tu-142MK anti-submarine airplanes "to practice reconnaissance operations in the Arctic areas," the Northern Fleet's Information and Public Relations Service told Interfax. The flights by Northern Fleet aircraft were performed strictly in accordance with international agreements and treaties between Russia and foreign countries.
"The flights by Russian Naval long-range aircraft indicate that Russia now attaches greater importance to the Arctic and the safety of maritime routes there, to the exploration of the Russian part of the richest Arctic continental shelf, and our country's preparedness to stand up for its national interests and sovereign rights in the northern region," the press service said.