24.10.2019, Pretoria.
Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers arrived in the Republic of South Africa on October 23, TASS reports.
The arrival of the Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers was the first in the history of two countries. Both aircraft landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base, which is located near the city of Pretoria, country’s executive (administrative) capital.
The Tu-160 flight lasted 13 hours, the pilots managed to fly a distance of 11 thousand km. During the flight, aircraft completed mid-air refueling. At the end of the flight, South African Air Force Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters escorted the Russian aircraft.
The Russian city of Sochi is currently hosting the Russian-African Summit and Economic Forum. Russia is prepared to step up cooperation with African countries, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at the forum.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
