MOSCOW, May 7 (RIA Novosti) - A pair of Russian Tu-95 Bear strategic bombers have carried out a routine patrol flight over the North Atlantic and the Arctic, an Air Force spokesman said on Thursday.

"The crews practiced instrumental flight maneuvers and conducted a series of other drills," Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik told RIA Novosti.

During a 15-hour mission, the bombers conducted in-flight refueling from Il-78 Midas aerial tankers. The Russian planes were shadowed by NATO F-16 and Tornado fighters.

Russia resumed strategic bomber patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans in August 2007, following an order signed by then President Vladimir Putin.

All flights by Russian aircraft are performed in strict compliance with international law on the use of airspace over neutral waters, without violating the borders of other states, Drik said.