MOSCOW, April 16 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Air Force has started exercises in Lipetsk in central Russia at a local training center, an aide to the Air Force commander said Monday.

"During the exercises, Su-27 [Flanker], MiG-29 [Fulcrum], MiG-31 [Foxhound] aircraft will practice elements of interception and destruction of air targets, and escort and cover of long-range aviation planes Tu-95MS [Bear] and Tu-160 [Blackjack]," Colonel Alexander Drobyshevsky said.

In addition, he said, Su-24 Fencer and Su-25 Frogfoot aircraft will drop bombs on three ranges, while Il-78 Midas tankers will conduct aerial refueling.

Drobyshevsky said the exercises will last until April 18.