KAZAN, February 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived at the runway of the Kazan Aircraft Production Association to fly a modernized Tu-160M strategic missile carrier.

The day before, Putin inspected such an aircraft in the plant's workshop and climbed into the cockpit.

The presidential motorcade drove right up to the aircraft. The head of state wore a special suit for the flight.

Upon arrival, Putin greeted the waiting crew. Then, the president boarded the plane.

It was not the first time that Putin was at the helm of the aircraft, and he also flew on the Tu-160 bomber (the previous version, before modernization). In August 2005, the head of state traveled on it to the area of exercises of long-range aviation and the Northern Fleet.