Two Russian Tu-95MC strategic bombers flew over neutral waters near the American territory of Alaska, the Russian defence ministry has said.
The flights over the Bering and Chukchi Seas, which are not owned by any country, lasted nine hours, the MoD said.
The bombers were escorted by Su-30SM fighter jets, the ministry added.
“The flight was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace,” Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, Russian commander of long-range aviation. said.
“Long-range aviation pilots regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea and Pacific Ocean,” he added.
Russia frequently holds drills near NATO territory, but insists it stays in international airspace and never violates that of other countries.
Some NATO members also conduct missions near Russian territory.
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