Refuting claims that Russian bombers are in poor conditions (especially the worn out engine) and cannot sustain operational tempo dictated from the Kremlin, the commander of the Air Force's strategic aviation said there are no technical obstacles to the continuation of long-distance patrols by Russian strategic bombers. (More...)

Major-General Pavel Androsov said: "The pilots and technicians' training, as well as the condition of the aircraft, permit us to carry out our assigned tasks in full." Since August 2007, when Russian strategic bombers resumed long range patrols over the North Atlantic, the Pacific and Arctic oceans bombers flew over 70 missions. The Russian Air Force currently deploys 141 Tu-22M3 Backfire bombers, 40 Tu-95MS Bear bombers, and 14 Tu-160 Blackjack planes. Apart from the 'show of force' presence in remote areas, according to Androsov, the flights are also used for training and routinely include target engagement practices and self-protection drills. Targets for practice weare abundant during these flights, said Androsov, as Russian bombers have been escorted by at least 120 NATO interceptors.

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