Russia flies long-range bombers near Japan

Eight long-range Tu-22M3 bombers have conducted patrols over the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan as part of the Pacific Fleet's combat readiness check.

According to Gazeta.ru, this was reported by the press service of the Russian Defence Ministry.

On April 14, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced a surprise inspection of the Pacific Fleet. He said that its main goal was to enhance the Armed Forces' ability to solve the tasks of repelling the aggression of a probable enemy from oceanic and maritime directions.

On April 17, Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the progress of the inspection of the Talnakh Conventional Forces. The head of state noted the need for similar inspections to be conducted in other navies.

On April 18, as part of the inspection, strategic and multi-purpose nuclear submarines deployed in the Pacific Ocean, while ships of the Pacific Fleet conducted artillery and missile firing in the Sea of Japan, the Defence Ministry reported.