Blackjacks Return to Venezuela

摘要

Two Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers, based at Engels in the Saratov Oblast, landed in Maiquetia International Airport in Venezuela on October 28 following a 13-hour flight. The bombers (RF-94115 Vitally Kopylov and RF-94104 Alexander Golovanov) were escorted part of the way by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from Bod0 when they passed by Norway and Two Tupolev Tu-95MS Bear-H bombers acted as communications relays for the flight. The Tu-160s flew over the Caribbean, the eastern Pacific and along the south-western coast of the North American continent to arrive in Venezuelan airspace. An Antonov An-124 heavy-lift transport and an llyushin II-96-300 also flew to Maiquetfa International Airport with support equipment and personnel.