Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers and other military aircraft have touched down in South Africa. The planes covered over 11 thousand kilometers to get there, staying in the air for more than 13 hours.
The two Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers landed at Waterkloof air force base in Tshwane on Wednesday. Russian Il-62 and An-124 military transport planes have also touched down.
The planes covered over 11 thousand kilometers to reach South Africa, flying all the way from Russia without landing. The aircraft were refueled mid-air during the 13-hour flight.
Short videos of the flight, released by Russia’s military, show the planes taking off, doing the mid-air refueling, as well as landing in South Africa. As the Tu-160’s approached their destination, they were accompanied by several South African Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.
The visit coincides with the Russia-Africa summit, that kicked off today in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The two-day forum, co-chaired by Russia and Egypt, brings together all the 54 countries of the African continent.
Moscow is seeking to boost cooperation with all the African nations, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said while addressing the summit.
Trade between Russia and Africa grew by 17% in 2018 to $20 billion – and Russia is now aiming at doubling it in the next four or five years.
Moscow has written off more than $20 billion in debt accumulated by African countries during the Soviet era, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced.
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2019.
In one direct flight the Russians reached the Zulu nation?
Just to show the Zionist puppets to not mess with Russia and its BRICS partners?