The number of strategic bombers performing...
Russia resumed strategic bomber patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, the Black Sea and along the borders of the Commonwealth of Independent States in August 2007, following an order from then-president Vladimir Putin.
"As a rule, up to four strategic bombers perform patrol flights simultaneously. However, under specific circumstances and on orders from the General Staff, their number could be increased to up to eight aircraft," Maj. Gen. Anatoly Zhikharev said at a news conference in Moscow.
According to the general, the bombers can continuously patrol the skies for up to 22 hours with in-flight refueling provided by Il-78 Midas aerial tankers.
"Our planes also carry out missions to detect and pinpoint the location of foreign aircraft carriers, as well as to supply missions to support the activities of [Russian] polar stations in line with the concept of the development of our Arctic zone," Zhikarev said.