Russia resumes bomber testing

MOSCOW, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- A military spokesman said Russian air force strategic bombers would conduct a series of long-range training flights through Friday.

The pilots are to go through aerial refueling exercises during the flights as well, RIA Novosti reported Monday.

"During the exercise on Sept. 18-21, Russian strategic bombers Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, and Il-78 aerial tankers will conduct long-duration daytime and night flights with mid-air refueling," said Col. Alexander Drobyshevsky.

Maj. Gen. Pavel Androsov, the commander of the Russian air force’s strategic aviation, is to oversee the exercise.

It was announced in August that Moscow was resuming routine flights by strategic bombers, and would continue on a permanent basis, RIA Novosti reported.