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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (Reuters) - Russian bombers are flying more missions than normal near U.S. territory, including Alaska, demonstrating their long-range strike capability, U.S. and Canadian officials said on Monday.
Russian aircraft carrying cruise missiles ran an aviation exercise near Alaska two weeks ago, according to Canadian Col. Andre Dupuis, an officer at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a U.S.-Canadian operation responsible for protecting both...
Originally posted by Snappahead
Perhaps its a sign of an improving economy in Russia (more money for defence), and just a natural response to threats real or perceived from the US/NATO.
Originally posted by johnsky
We can deal with each other peacefully, we don't need outside influence on this matter.
MOSCOW, August 14 (RIA Novosti) - Units of the 37th Air Army of the Strategic Command have begun tactical exercises with test launches of cruise missiles over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, an Air Force spokesman said Tuesday.
Originally posted by Duby78
I've also heard that US exercise off Guam has turned into 'watch, listen and respond' duty, including ASW duty.
As an important part of the infrastructure the United States is putting in to help Guam accommodate 8,000 Marines and their families, these old plans are being revived. They are going to build a new road across the island.
Carl Peterson, chairman of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Committee, which has lobbied for an increased military presence on Guam, noted that the military has been talking about this "direct" road between the Naval Station and Andersen for many years.
Russia is resuming a Soviet-era practice of sending its bomber aircraft on long-range flights, President Vladimir Putin has said.
Mr Putin said the move to resume the flights permanently after a 15-year suspension was in response to security threats posed by other military powers.
He said 14 bombers had taken off from Russian airfields early on Friday.
Mr Putin said the move to resume the flights permanently after a 15-year suspension was in response to security threats posed by other military powers.
Originally posted by crisko
Edit: Just wanted to add that the Air Force's latest and greatest were present; both the B-2 Bomber and the F-22.
General Gene Renuart, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command, the agencies charged with protecting US and Canadian airspace, said that US forces would continue to monitor the activity.
"Over the last few months the Russian air force has been flying a little bit more than we've seen in the past; certainly they're ranging farther than they have in the more recent past," Renuart said in a statement.
"NORAD has intercepted them out over international waters, near Alaska, and the command continues to monitor all of their long range bomber flight activity, even today," he added.
One Russian air force officer, who asked not to be identified, told AFP he expected US interceptors would make their presence felt during the exercises.
"It is a traditional practice for military pilots to see foreign pilots come up to meet them and say to hello," he said. "The United States are aware of our exercise," he added.
Link
Two of the RAF's Typhoon jets have shadowed a Russian aircraft above the North Atlantic Ocean.
It was one of the first tasks performed by the recently-commissioned jets and it the Bear-H aircraft turned back before it entered UK airspace.
The Ministry of Defence said: "RAF Typhoons from Numbers 3(F) and XI Squadrons launched to shadow a Russian Bear-H aircraft over the North Atlantic Ocean on Friday 17 August 2007."
The £67 million fighter jets were officially put on active standby last month, ready to protect the UK from hijacked airliners and other threats from the skies.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
Yes I have, and besides all the points you mentioned there are also the new domestic policies and Soviet era atmosphere that Putin has created in Russia.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
His willingness to confront the US on a global scale in terms of politically charged comments and policies.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
His actions on controlling the oil and natural gas industry in Russia and using it to fund the military. Also using Russia's vast natural resources to blackmail and pressure eastern block countries.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
He is also supporting leaders around the world who oppose the US by trying to equip them both military and politically.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
Trying to influence the political scene in former soviet block's as evident by the Color Revolution in the Ukraine and the situation in Belarus.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
I believe these were Putin's intentions all along as soon as he took office.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
A rising value of natural resources coupled with a mass proliferation of weapons has brought Russia a lot of money. This as allowed Putin to strengthen the military and shape the domestic and political climate in Russia to favor hardliners and more conservative policies.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
These changes were noticeable before but they have since come into full power after the US ABM proposal. That was just a catalyst for Putin to expedite his plans. It was the excuses he was looking for to be more blatant about his ambitions while still playing the role of victim.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
Now Russia can be more assertive militarily as evident by the increase in global military missions, i.e. bomber flights and the Arctic exercise/expedition. They can also build up and improve their military while expanding their area of operations with forward deployed bases.
Originally posted by WestPoint23
Even though Putin is going to leave office soon he has shaped the future by placing people within the government with similar views, ensuring the same policies are maintained. Also, the presidential system in Russia virtually ensures that whomever the current president endorses wins the next election. Not to mention the suppression of opposition members and the independent media (and or groups).
Originally posted by WestPoint23
So yes there is a much greater political, military and strategic message behind these military maneuvers. On a somewhat related note, I have also noticed and posted on the build up the US military has been conducting in the Pacific. Transitioning forces and resources from other areas of the world to increase our presence and attention in the Asia-Pacific theater. We are also facing another power besides Russia that will try and surpass us, China
Originally posted by maloy
Perhaps Chinese and Russian leaders actually view the US a credible threat