By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Two Russian long-range Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers on a patrol mission over the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan on Wednesday were shadowed by Japanese and South Korean fighters, a Defense Ministry spokesman said.
“The long-range fighters were accompanied by the JAF and ROK Air Force Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter, F-15 Eagle tactical fighter and F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter,” Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.
He did not specify how many JAF and ROK Air Force planes there were.
“Two turboprop Tu-95 MS bombers, which took off from the Ukrainka airbase, have completed their missions,” Drik said adding that the bombers spent about 12 hours flying over featureless terrain.
The Tu-95s were accompanied by Su-27 Flanker multirole fighters.
Russia resumed strategic bomber patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans in August 2007, following an order from then-President Vladimir Putin.
“All flights by the Russian Air Force were performed and will be performed in strict compliance with international law on the use of airspace over neutral waters, without intruding the airspace of other states,” Drik said.