"Two Tu-160 strategic bombers that took off from the Engels airfield successfully fulfilled the tasks of the plan for a large-scale exercise of the Russian naval and Aerospace Forces grouping in the Mediterranean," the statement said.
Su-30 and Su-33 fighters that took off from the Hmeymim airbase in Syria accompanied the bombers.
"The flight of aircraft was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, without violating the borders of other states," it said.
READ MORE: Russian MoD Confirms Tu-160 Strategic Bombers' Patrols Over Neutral Waters
Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Vladimir Korolev also told reporters that Russian servicemen carried more than 50 combat exercises during the exercises of the Navy and the Aerospace Forces in the Mediterranean Sea, and aviation carried out 50 sorties and 15 in-flight refuelling operations.
"At present, more than 50 combat exercises have been successfully carried out by the forces of the Russian Navy and the Aerospace Forces, more than 50 sorties of naval aviation have been carried out, during which 15 refuelling operations were conducted in the air," Korolev said during the inspection of the exercise in Syria.
"I want to note that such manoeuvres are held for the first time in the history of modern Russia, and modern warships, supply vessels and naval aviation are taking part in them," the admiral added.
Previously, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces would be holding joint large-scale training exercises in the Mediterranean Sea on September 1-8.
