MOSCOW. Aug 1 (Interfax-AVN) - The crews of two Tu-142 planes, which are part of the long-range anti-boat squadron of the Russian Northern fleet naval aviation, began routine flights in the Arctic latitudes of the Arctic Ocean on Friday to conduct ice observation on the Northern Sea Route, the Russian Defense Ministry has reported.
"During the flight shifts, the crews of the Tu-142 planes conduct ice observation. The data received by them will facilitate the construction of routes and navigation for civilian vessels in the Arctic," the press service for the Northern fleet said in a report obtained by Interfax-AVN on Friday.
"Flights are being conducted intensively in the Arctic regions in strict accordance with the international rules governing the use of the air space," the document says.