Putin takes flight on Tu-160M strategic missile carrier aircraft

Russian President Vladimir Putin has flown on a modernised Tu-160M strategic missile carrier named Ilya Muromets.

According to Interfax, Putin had inspected such an aircraft in the factory's workshop the day before and climbed into the cockpit to take the controls.

Such supersonic aircraft can carry nuclear weapons and are part of Russia's so-called nuclear triad.

Dmitry Peskov, the head of state's spokesman, told reporters that Putin's flight lasted about 40 minutes.

"A military secret," he said in response to a question about the route.