AKHTUBINSK (Astrakhan Region), September 26 (RIA Novosti) - More than 50 strategic and long-range bombers are involved in a major exercise that began Tuesday, the commander of Russia's Air Force said.

"I cannot remember such large-scale long-range aircraft exercise in Russia's history," Vladimir Mikhailov said.

He said Tu-160 Blackjacks, Tu-95MS Bears and Tu-22M3 Backfires would fly above the Arctic and Pacific oceans and the Black and Caspian seas.

"Each plane will launch missiles and a Tu-22M3 bomber will perform bombing runs at practice ranges," Masorin said.