Russia's Tu-95 turboprop-powered strategic bombers and missile carriers are nuclear-capable. Photo: AFP
ABC News Online: Australian Defence Force on heightened alert during Russian military exercise in Indonesia
Defence personnel in Darwin were operating at "increased readiness" earlier this month as Russian strategic bombers conducted navigation exercises close to Australia, flying out of an Indonesian military base.
The ABC can reveal RAAF Base Darwin was placed on a "short period" of heightened alert, while over 100 Russian personnel and several aircraft were stationed at the Biak Airbase in Indonesia's eastern Papua province.
During the five-day stopover two nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew their first ever patrol mission over the South Pacific, prompting concerns they may have been collecting valuable intelligence.
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More News On Australian Defence Forces On Heightened Alert During Russian Military Exercises In Indonesia
Russian Nuclear-Capable Bomber Exercise Prompts Australian Air Force Alert as Putin Extends Pacific Reach -- Newsweek
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Australian air force put on alert amid Russian bomber operation -- The Independent
ADF in 'increased readiness' following Russian military exercise -- NEWS.com.au