"The annual combat readiness inspection of strategic bomber units, under the supervision of the Air Force Commander, Vladimir Mikhailov, began today," Alexander Drobyshevsky said.

He said Tu-160 Blackjack, Tu-95M Bear-H and Tu-22M3 Backfire-C bombers, and Il-78 Mainstay air tankers will conduct about 70 flights over the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

Tu-160 and Tu-95 bombers will conduct cruise missile launches, and Tu-22 bombers will practice bombardment, the official said.

"The bombers will also practice daytime and nighttime aerial refueling," Drobyshevsky said, adding that the inspection is a scheduled military exercise aimed at improving the combat readiness of Air Force personnel.

/RIA Novosti/