11:02 01.04.2026
Tu-142 crews perfected in-flight refueling over the Arctic
© The Press Service of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation
Tu-142 long-range anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the North Fleet combination aviation corps performed air refueling as part of scheduled combat training. The flights took place over the Barents Sea and neutral waters of the Arctic Ocean, the Northern Fleet press service reports.
During the exercise missions the aircraft crews practiced approaching the Il-78 refueling aircraft of the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces, making contact with the refueling drogue, and maintaining position in formation for an extended period until refueling is complete.
“Refueling in mid-air is one of the most complicated types of flight training requiring the crew's exceptional skill and coordination. During this operation at the height of about 5,000 km and at the speed of approximately 500 km/hour, the crew of the Tu-142, with the takeoff weight over 180 tons, has to bring the aircraft to the air tanker at the distance of 10 to 15 meters and then ensure a secure connection to the refueling device,” reads the report.
In-flight refueling substantially increases the range and the combat capabilities of Tu-142 by enabling it to operate in remote areas of the World Ocean far from its home airfield. This is of special importance for the Northern Fleet’s Arctic area of responsibility, where patrol routes stretch for thousands of kilometers.
