MOSCOW. Oct 23 (Interfax) - Two Russian Aerospace Force Tupolev Tu-160 bombers have landed at the Waterkloof air base in South Africa, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"The flight of our long-range aircraft took place in airspace over the waters of the Caspian and Arabian seas and of the Indian Ocean. The flight was over 13 hours long, during which time Aerospace Force pilots covered more than 11,000 kilometers," the ministry said in a statement, which was obtained by Interfax on Wednesday.
"At the final stages of the route, the Tu-160s were accompanied by South African Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters," the statement said.
The flight involved mid-air refueling.
"The Tu-160s' flight was performed strictly in accordance with the international rules for airspace use," it said.
In addition to the Tu-160 pair, the Aerospace Force aviation group also includes the Ilyushin and Antonov military transport aircraft Il-62 and An-124 Ruslan.
"The aim of the visit is to develop bilateral military cooperation and work out interaction between the Russian Aerospace Force and the South African Air Force. The event will enable the two countries to enhance pilots' combat skills," the statement said.
"Russia and South Africa are building a comprehensive friendly relationship in the spirit of strategic partnership and mutual understanding," it said.