MOSCOW. April 18 (Interfax) - Two Russian Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bomber aircraft have performed a flight over neutral waters of the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk as part of a surprise inspection of the Russian Pacific Fleet's combat readiness, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"All flights of long-range aircraft are conducted in strict compliance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters, without violating other states' borders," the ministry said.
"During the patrol, the bombers were refueled in mid-air using an [Ilyuishin] Il-78 tanker aircraft," it said.
"Tu-95MS bombers will also continue to conduct air patrols in other areas during the check," the ministry said.
The Sea of Okhotsk is bordered by Russia and Japan, while the Bering Sea is where the maritime boundary between Russia and the United States lies.
A surprise combat readiness check has been underway in the Russian Pacific Fleet since April 14.