01.02.2008
The biggest Russian naval exercise in 15 years is unfolding in the Northeast Atlantic. January, 30 - six strategic bombers joined the more than 40 aircrafts and the group of vessels from the Northern and Black Sea fleets.
Meanwhile, Norwegian media reports that northern Norwegian airports have been requested to provide services in case emergency situations.
Six Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers today joined the Russian naval task force in the Atlantic to take part in the final stage of the current naval exercise, an Air Force spokesman said. During the exercises, from January 28 to February 2, Russian pilots will practice reconnaissance, missile and bomb strikes on mock adversary naval force, and will fly simulated air combat and air patrolling missions, RIA Novosti reports.
Commander of Russia's Northern Fleet Vice-Admiral Nikolai Maksimov, who is heading the task force, earlier said that the Navy's ongoing operation, which has included a mission in the Mediterranean, was aimed at ensuring Russia's naval presence "in key operational areas of the world's oceans" and establishing conditions for secure Russian maritime navigation.
Source:
, photo: airforce.ru
