The Russian Air Force has deployed a pair of Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack bombers to the Bay of Biscay, where they will be involved in missile trials. According to news agency Interfax - which quoted the Russian Air Force - the two aircraft were being escorted by Royal Air Force Tornado F3s, and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s.

The Bay of Biscay is sited off both the French and Spanish coastlines. The missile trials being conducted there stand as the most recent in a catalogue of instances where Russia has showcased its military prowess for the world to see.

Russian Military Exercises Will Involve Aircraft, Submarine Hunters, Warships

The Blackjacks have linked up with warships, submarine hunters and aircraft carriers for the exercises, which take place as Russia begins the process of selecting a new President to succeed Vladimir Putin.

The Russian Air Force asserted in a statement how it is "...taking a very active part in the exercises of the navy's strike force in the Atlantic."

It added: "Today, two strategic Tu-160 bombers departed for exercises in the Bay of Biscay, which ... will carry out a number of missions and will conduct tactical missile launches."

Putin has Tried to Modernise Russia's Armed Forces

President Putin has sought to revitalise Russia's armed forces in recent times. In 2007, a test was carried out involving the drop of what is believed to have been the world's largest non-nuclear bomb. The Russian Air Force has also recently resumed long range bomber patrol flights, while Putin has announced proposals for Russia to develop its nuclear arsenal.

In December last year, Russia announced plans to re-commence regular, globally-focused Russian Naval patrol missions.

And at the beginning of 2008, it emerged that the Sukhoi Su-34 strike aircraft had entered full production.

However, according to some analysts, Russia's defence spending pales in comparison to that of the US, and is a fair bit below that of the UK, France and China. While grand plans have been unveiled, the present situation is one where conscription is high, and outmoded equipment prevails.

So far, information on the precise location for the missile tests within the Bay of Biscay has not been released. However, the air force has said that Tupolev Tu-95 Bears would take part in the exercise from tomorrow onwards.

"From January 23", it detailed, "...the aviation component in the zone where the exercises are going on will be widened and the following planes will take part: Tu-160, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Il-78, (and) A-50."

Source - Armed Forces International's East European Correspondent

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