Russian bombers patrol seas of Okhotsk, Japan

Eight Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers performed a combat training flight over the neutral waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and the northern part of the Sea of Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

During the mission, the Tu-22M3 provided air support for the forces of the Russian Pacific Fleet, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the aircraft strictly abode by international rules for the use of airspace.

The patrol was conducted as part of a large-scale sudden check of the combat readiness of the Pacific Fleet, which was launched on April 14 to "build up the ability to repel the aggression of a potential enemy from the sea," it added.