News Report: What Russia's Strategic Bombers and 'Flying Radars' Were After in Asia

Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighter

Amid the US-South Korean Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) joint military drills in South Korea, Russia's strategic aircraft performed routine flights in the area. In doing so, Russia "simply and concisely showed its interests and capabilities" near the Korean Peninsula, according to Russian political commentator Alexander Khrolenko.

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry's press service said that Russia's Tu-95MS strategic bombers carried out routine flights over international waters above the Sea of Japan, Yellow and East China seas.

The long-range planes were accompanied by a Su-35S fighter of the Eastern Military District and an A-50 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft of the military-transport aviation.

It was very unusual for Russia's Tu-95MS to fly around the Korean Peninsula with an escort of such powerful aircraft, Alexander Khrolenko wrote in his op-ed for RIA Novosti.

At certain points along their route, the Russian strategic bombers were accompanied by aircraft of the South Korean Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

News Report: Russia's Tu-95MS Bombers Perform Routine Flight Over Int'l Waters in Asia

Russian Tu-95MS Bomber (Image: Wiki Commons)

Russia's Tu-95MS strategic bombers have carried out routine flights over international waters of the Sea of Japan, Yellow and East China seas, the Russian Defense Ministry's press service said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The long-range planes were accompanied by a Su-35S fighter of the Eastern Military District and A-50 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft of military-transport aviation.

During the flight, Tu-95MS crews performed aerial refueling, according to the ministry.

The ministry noted that at certain stages of the route, the Russian strategic bombers were accompanied by aircraft of the Korean Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers have taken part in Russia's air campaign in Syria successfuly launching strikes against the terrorist group Daesh operating in the Middle East.

Russia’s military jets regularly carry out patrol flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic region, Atlantic Ocean, Black Sea and Pacific Ocean, the ministry said. All such flights are carried out in strict accordance with the international law regarding the use of neutral waters airspace, without violating borders of other states.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Story: India Mulls Ilyushin Airlifter and Tanker Upgrades

Indian Il-76 (Image: Wiki Commons)

by Vladimir Karnozov

The Ilyushin Design Bureau has reported progress with Indian defense officials on agreeing an upgrade and life extension for that country’s Il-76/78 fleet. It also has offered India the upgraded Il-78MD-90A aerial tanker, and licensed production of the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional turboprop for both civil and military missions.

At the recent Aero India show, the Indian defense ministry made public its “decision in principle” made earlier this year for a lifetime extension (up to 40 years) and a modernization of the 16 Il-76MD airlifters and eight Il-78MKI aerial tankers already in Indian Air Force (IAF) service. A similar decision is expected soon for the five Il-38SD anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft serving with the Indian Navy.

The Il-114 license offer was made during the show. Production of the type is being restarted at the new location of Lukhovitsy, south of Moscow. According to Russian negotiators, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has signaled an intent to produce both civilian and military versions of the Il-114 under the Make in India program. The two sides are discussing ways HAL and other Indian companies can supply parts and components to Russia for completion of newly made Il-114s. The issue is expected to be discussed in detail during the next meeting of the inter-government commission on military-technical cooperation.

Read the full story at AINonline