From Russia with love: ‘Blackjack’ bombers in SA as Ramaphosa arrives at Russia-Africa summit
Updated | By Christelle du Toit
The jets are the world’s biggest military aircraft and are capable of launching nuclear missiles.

South Africans have a rare change this week to see two Tu-160s (so-called ‘Blackjack’ bombers), an Il-62, and an An-124 in Tshwane as part of a historic visit by the Russian Air Force to the South African Air Force.
The jets are the world’s biggest military aircraft and are capable of launching nuclear missiles.
According to a statement by the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), the "military to military" cooperation is built on common interest.
Notice to aircraft spotters in South Africa: You're going to get the rare chance to see two Tu-160s, an Il-62, and an An-124 arriving in Tshwane, as part of an historic visit by the Russian Air Force to the South African Air Force. Interesting diplomatic move by Russia too. pic.twitter.com/ZJsBqYenKN
— Darren Olivier (@darren_olivier) October 21, 2019
The jets in South Africa at the same time that President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the Russian Federation to lead a South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa Summit, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday.
According tot he Presidency, the forum will focus on key areas of cooperation between Russia and African countries.
ALSO READ: Putin hosts major summit as Kremlin scrambles for Africa
While in Russia, Ramaphosa is expected to have bilateral meetings with President Vladimir Putin and other Heads of State and Government attending the Summit.
Ramaphosa will also address the summit's plenary session.
According to the Presidency, "Bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation are at an optimal level and continue to grow from strength to strength."
President @CyrilRamaphosa arrives in Sochi, Russia where he is leading a South African delegation to the first Russia-Africa Summit. The President is received with an offering of a traditional bread and salt during a welcome ceremony. pic.twitter.com/Nhs8Yp3gyC
— PresidencyZA (@PresidencyZA) October 23, 2019
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