MOSCOW. Sept 11 (Interfax) - Two Russian Tupolev TU-22M3 long-range bombers conducted a five-hour patrol of the neutral waters in the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
"Two TU-22M3 long-range bombers performed a planned flight in the airspace over neutral waters in the Baltic Sea," the statement said.
"The flight's duration was approximately five hours," it said.
Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces accompanied the TU-22M3s, the ministry said.
"All Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft fly strictly in accordance with international rules on use of airspace," the statement said.
"Our long-range air crews regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black and Baltic Seas, and Pacific Ocean," it said.
The Northern Coasts 2023 NATO naval exercise began off the coast of Latvia and Estonia last weekend. The exercise, led by the German Navy, will last until September 23.
The maneuvers reportedly involve around 3,200 personnel, 30 ships and submarines, and up to 15 aircraft from 14 countries.