Russian strategic and long-range bombers will fly over Moscow's Red Square during the Victory Day parade on May 9 under the escort of fighters, said a defense ministry spokesman.

Vladimir Drik told reporters that three Tu-160 and three Tu-95 MC strategic bombers from the Russian Air Force will fly over central Moscow, with another six Tu-22 M3 supersonic strategic bombers passing the Red Square in formation.

All these bombers will be escorted by MiG-31 and MiG-29 fighter jets, he added.

Some mid-air refueling tankers will also join the fly-past presentation pioneered with 10 Mi-8 choppers hanging various kinds of flags, said the spokesman.

The helicopter formation will also display banners marking "65" and "Victory" in mid-air, he added.

In total, some 40 helicopters in four groups will take part in the aerial show, including the world's largest helicopter Mi-26 which will make its debut, said Drik.

Russia is set to hold its first national parade celebrating the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with the involvement of nearly 100,000 people.

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