Two Russian Tu-160 strategic missile carriers have broken their own world record for non-stop flight in their class, spending more than 25 hours continuously in the air. The Russian Aerospace Forces’ commander of long-range aviation Lt. Gen. Sergey Kobylash told World record to reporters on Saturday.

Strategic bombers flew more than 20,000 kilometres [12,400 miles].

During the flight, which took place over neutral waters of the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Laptev, Kara, Barents, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas, three refuelling operations were conducted using six Il-78 aircraft.

“At certain stages of the route, the Tu-160 strategic missile carriers were accompanied by Su-35S fighters, as well as aircraft from foreign countries,” Kobylash stated.

The previous world record, which was also set by a Tu-160 in 2010, was 24 hours and 24 minutes.