Young pilots flew Tupolev Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers during training flights in the Saratov Region in Russia’s south, the Defense Ministry reported on Monday. This reported by TASS.

The training flights "involved young pilots, graduates of 2018-2019, who performed the assignments of aircraft assistant commanders and navigators," the ministry said.

The drills involved up to 10 long-range aircraft. The flight assignments lasted more than 8 hours. Over this time, the crews covered a distance of over 6,000 kilometers. The flight personnel practiced piloting techniques, aerial navigation and the procedure of operations in emergencies, the ministry informed.