MOSCOW. Dec 17 (Interfax) - Two Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces have performed a scheduled flight over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-27 fighter jets of the Aerospace Forces served as their escort. The flight lasted for more than five hours," the ministry said.
"Foreign fighter jets were accompanying the long-range bombers at certain stages of their flight," it said.
Long-range aircraft regularly perform flights over neutral waters of the Arctic Ocean, the North Atlantic, the Pacific, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, the ministry said.
"All flights of aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces are performed in strict compliance with international airspace regulations," it said.
Tu-22M3 is a long-range supersonic bomber (NATO code name Backfire).
Tupolev Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers constitute long-range aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Long-range aviation is the airborne element of the Russian nuclear triad. They can also deliver conventional bombs and missiles, including cruise missiles.