MOSCOW, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian strategic bombers on Thursday test-fired cruise missiles at a training ground in northern Russia, a local news agency reported.

    Six Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers from Russia's long-range aviation unit took part in the exercise at the Pemboi test range, the Russian Air Force spokesman Vladimir Drik said.

    "A few minutes ago, the last pair of bombers returned to their permanent bases after completing cruise missile training launches at Pemboi," Drik was quoted as saying by Interfax.

    "It was the first training of the year. All targets at Pemboi were hit successfully," he said.

    Russia resumed strategic bomber patrols over remote areas last year, 15 years after the long-range maneuvers were suspended with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

    Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday defense would remain a priority, despite the economic downturn facing the country.