Russian strategic bombers carried out 48 flights in 2019 - Shoigu
MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Russian strategic bombers have carried out nearly 50 flights in 2019, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"To ensure our military presence in strategically important areas, strategic bombers have carried out 48 flights this year," Shoigu said at an expanded Defense Ministry board meeting on Tuesday.
Russian and Chinese strategic bombers conducted their first ever joint patrolling mission in the Asia-Pacific region in July, he said.
"In October, Tupolev Tu-160 bombers conducted flights using airfields in the South African Republic," Shoigu said.
Russian naval ships have carried out 111 missions to the Arctic zone, the central and northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean basin, and the pirate-infested areas in the Gulf of Aden, he said.
"Russian ships have also taken active part in joint exercises in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean," Shoigu said.