MOSCOW, July 30. /ITAR-TASS/. Several Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers escorted by MiG-31 interceptor planes flew over the Arctic on Wednesday, the press service of the Eastern Military District said.

Its spokesperson, Colonel Alexander Gordeyev told ITAR-TASS that the interceptor planes had been provided by the Pacific Fleet’s air base in Kamchatka.

“In 2014, the intensity of Air Force flights in the Arctic increased several-fold,” he said, adding that MiG-31, Su-24, Su-27, antisubmarine Il-38 and Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-26 helicopter crews were not only patrolling, providing air support and searching for foreign submarines, but were also ensuring the security of sea navigation and carrying out search and rescue, and scientific missions.

Gordeyev said that all flights were scheduled in advance and were made in strict compliance with the international rules of using airspace without trespassing the borders of other countries.