Two Russian Tu-95MS Bear strategic bombers that carried out a routine patrol mission over the Pacific and the Sea of Japan were shadowed by an array of Japanese warplanes, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said the bombers spent about 12 hours in the air on Thursday and were accompanied by JAF aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle tactical fighter, F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter, and F-4 Phantom interceptor/fighter.

He did not say exactly how many JAF planes performed the shadow mission.

Russian strategic bombers resumed patrol flights over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans in August 2007, following an order from 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 intruding in the airspace of other states, the ministry said.

MOSCOW, April 15 (RIA Novosti)