Russia flies Tu-160 bomber for 16 hours over Norwegian Sea
The aircraft practiced aerial refueling and was escorted by MiG-31s amid tensions between Russia and NATO.
Russia flew a Tu-160 strategic bomber for about 16 hours over the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea in a training mission on Tuesday (23/6). The Russian Defense Ministry said the crew practiced aerial refueling during the flight. The Tu-160 was escorted by MiG-31 fighter jets, while several foreign fighter aircraft were also reported to have followed the mission. Moscow said the flight was carried out in accordance with international rules governing the use of airspace. According to reports cited by media, the patrol took place in the Arctic area between Norway, Iceland and Greenland, as relations between Russia and NATO remain tense over the war in Ukraine.