Russian bombers flew in accordance with intl rules - Russian defense ministry
MOSCOW. Feb 9 (Interfax) - Two Russian Tupolev T-160 strategic bombers, which were patrolling neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas and the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, were escorted by foreign aircraft, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.
"At certain stages of their patrol itinerary, the Tu-160s were escorted by foreign aircraft, including by pilots of the British [Royal] Air Force, to which, for some reason, escorting Russian aircraft and Russian Navy ships has always been an exceptional event and the main news of the day," Konashenkov said.
"All flights by Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft are performed strictly in accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters, without violating other countries' borders," the general said.
The two Russian Tu-160s accomplished tasks within the air patrol plan on Thursday, Konashenkov said
"The itinerary of their flight passed over the neutral waters in the Barents and Norwegian Seas and the Atlantic Ocean. The crews had their Tu-160s refueled in mid-air by [Ilyushin] Il-78 aerial refueling tankers," Konashenkov said.
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) stated earlier that its Typhoon fighter jets took off to escort the Russian bombers. According to the RAF, the Russian aircraft did not enter the airspace of the United Kingdom.
