Russian air force flexes its muscles

MOSCOW, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Russian used more than 20 strategic bombers to fly more than 70 practice runs over western Russia as its air arsenal increases, a military official said.

A Russian military official told Moscow's Itar-Tass news agency Wednesday the sorties included Tu-22 strategic bombers.

Meanwhile, the Russian military fighter manufacturer Sukhoi said the new Su-35 multirole fighter will go into service in the next few years, RIA Novosti said.

The Su-35 is reportedly a high-maneuverability fighter able to intercept air, ground and sea targets using a variety of weapons.

Sukhoi General Director Mikhail Pogosyan said the aircraft manufacturer plans to offer the Su-35 to "our traditional markets in southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America."

Prototypes of the Su-35 flew successful test flights Monday.