For the first time this year, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) deployed their Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers on a patrol flight over the Arctic Ocean. The information was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense through a video that went viral on social media yesterday.

Throughout the past year, multiple flights by Russian strategic bombers over international waters of the Arctic Ocean were recorded. The Russian defense ministry stated that these types of flights are conducted in accordance with international regulations and are carried out regularly by their military aircraft.

In this regard, they noted that the VKS long-range crews “… regularly conduct flights over the neutral waters of the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Arctic, the North Atlantic, and the Pacific Ocean.”

This statement refers to various flights recorded over the past year, including Tu-95MS bomber missions over the Sea of Japan last October. However, as reported by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the Joint Staff of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, there has been an increasing level of cooperation with aircraft and assets of China’s People’s Liberation Army.

One of the most significant incidents was recorded at the end of July last year when a joint patrol of Russian Tu-95 bombers and Chinese H-6K bombers flew in Alaska’s ADIZ, prompting the deployment of U.S. and Canadian Air Force fighters, including F-16s, F-35s, and CF-18s.

Regarding this latest flight, which lasted 11 hours over Arctic Ocean waters, one or more Tu-160 strategic bombers (NATO code: Blackjack) were involved, marking the first recorded deployment of the year.

YouTube video

The bomber is one of the most important platforms within the capabilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces and is also a key component of Russia’s nuclear triad for deterrence or retaliatory purposes. Currently, the resumption of production of this type of aircraft has been recorded, along with a modernization program under which they are designated as Tu-160M.

Cover photo used for illustrative purposes.

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