MOSCOW. Nov 12 (Interfax) - Two Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces have performed a scheduled flight over neutral waters of the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"The flight lasted for over four hours. MiG-31 fighter jets of the Aerospace Forces served as the escort," the ministry said.
Aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces perform all flights in strict compliance with international airspace regulations, it said.
"Long-range aviation crews perform regular flights over neutral waters of the Arctic Ocean, the North Atlantic, the Pacific, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea," the ministry said.
Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as Tu-22M3 long-range bombers constitute long-range aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Long-range aviation aircraft are the airborne component of the Russian nuclear triad, which can also carry conventional missiles and bombs, including cruise missiles.