Russian Air Force Tu-95MS bombers patrolling over Sea of Japan.

Two Russian Tupolev Tu-95MS strategic bombers have patrolled the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea and the western part of the Pacific Ocean, the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper reported.

Two VVS Tu-95MS strategic bombers
(Credit: Russian MoD)

During the flight, the Tu-95MS planes were escorted by Russian Aerospace Force Sukhoi Su-35S (Flanker-E+) multirole fighter jets and also by Japanese Air Force F-4, F-15 and F-16 fighters at certain stages.

The Tu-95MS planes practiced in-flight refueling.

"The flight lasted more than 15 hours. During the flight, the crew members, namely the commander, commander assistant, flight navigators, onboard signal operator and flight engineer, complied with their commitments strictly," Tu-95MS aircraft commander Major Ilya Smirnov said.

"Common success and the fulfillment of a common mission depend on how well each crew member performs their duties," he added.

According to the newspaper, Russian long-range planes perform regular flights over the neutral waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic, the Black Sea and the Pacific Ocean. All flights are performed in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace over the neutral waters, without violating the border of other states.

"Upgraded Tu-95MS planes operational with Russia’s Long-Range Aviation have advanced navigation systems and short- and long-range navigation electronic devices making navigation support as effective as possible. We face no difficulties despite the geographical location of our flights," Tu-95MS flight navigator Captain Sergei Ryzhov said.

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