Russia's Tu-95MS strategic bombers launched cruise missiles yesterday following an earlier report that it test-launched a long-distance ballistic missile in the same day, the Interfax news agency reported.

"The Tu-95MS aircraft of Russia's Long Range Aviation took off from tactical airfields and successfully launched training cruise missiles in the Arctic region of the country," Col. Lieut. Vladimir Drik, aide to the Russian Air Forces commander said.

The missiles accurately hit training targets at the firing range, he said.

The launch was made as part of Stability-2008 exercises conducted with Belarus from Sept. 22 to Oct. 21.

It was reported earlier that Russia test-launched a long-distance ballistic missile Saturday as part of its Northern Fleet's military exercises. It was the first time that a submarine launched the Sineva ballistic missile to its maximum range.