OREANDA-NEWS. April 25, 2008. Two Tu-95 heavy bombers (Engels AF Base) and two Il-78 tanker aircraft (Diagilevo AF Base) have successfully completed patrol over neutral Atlantic waters.

The flight lasted for more than 15 hours with one in-flight refueling. During the flight Russian aircraft were accompanied by NATO Tornado and F-16 fighters.

Russian Long-range aviation routinely fly at air patrols over neutral waters of the Arctic, Atlantic, Black Sea, Pacific, as with the base, and with operational airfields.

Flight crews raise their trainig level during flights in northern latitudes, over "textureless" area.

The crews practiced their in-flight refueling techniques, which are considered the most difficult. This element is also considered the top flight skill, when two 200 - ton aircraft conduct connected replenishment at a distance of 20 meters and at a speed of 600 km / h, especially when they are escorting by NATO interceptors.

Russian Air Force flights are carried out in strict accordance with International regulations on the use of airspace over neutral waters, without violating the borders of other states.