Russian Defense Ministry releases video of mid-air refueling of Tu-160 strategic missile bomber

Russian strategic bomber Tu-160.

The planned tactical flight exercise with the participation of crews of Tu-160, Tu-95MS bombers and Il-78 refueling aircraft was conducted under the direction of Commander of Long-Range Aviation, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash.

"During the tactical flight exercise for long-range aviation, a formation of two Tu-160 strategic missile carriers of the Aerospace Forces flew from the Chukotka Autonomous Region to the Saratov Region, a distance of more than 8,000 km. During this event, the crews of the Tu-160 aircraft performed an air refueling maneuver," the statement said.

The flight route passes over the Arctic Ocean, as well as the East Siberian and Kara Seas, within the borders of Russia.

Earlier, two squadrons of Tu-160 strategic missile aircraft flew from Saratov province to Anadyr airport.