Russian strategic bombers to fly over Caspian

"The annual combat readiness inspection of strategic bomber units, under the supervision of the Air Force Commander, Vladimir Mikhailov, began today," Alexander Drobyshevsky said.

He said Tu-160 Blackjack, Tu-95M Bear-H and Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bombers, and Il-78 Mainstay air tankers will conduct about 70 flights over the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

Tu-160 and Tu-95 bombers will conduct cruise missile launches, and Tu-22 bombers will practice bombardment, the official said.

"The bombers will also practice daytime and nighttime aerial refueling," Drobyshevsky said, adding that the inspection is a scheduled military exercise aimed at improving the combat readiness of Air Force personnel.

/RIA Novosti/