Russia launches Air Force exercise

MOSCOW, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Russian Air Force has launched long-range air patrol rehearsal missions in its northern region, a leading commander said Wednesday.

"The active phase of the tactical exercise has started under the command of long-range aviation commander Maj. Gen. Pavel Androsov," said his aide, Col. Alexander Drobyshevsky

Drobyshevsky did not elaborate on the location of the exercises, RIA Novosti reported.

The rehearsal missions included midair refueling runs, flying in extreme weather conditions and landings at various airfields.

The missions included over 30 strategic bombers, four refueling tankers and a supersonic bomber, Novosti said.

Russia restarted long-range patrol missions in August. Such flights were suspended in 1992 when the Soviet Union collapsed.