Russia plans new nuclear weapons

Oh no - someone is spending money on the military, and it is not US or NATO. Call a UN meeting quick. Actually scratch that, lets increase US military spending instead. Never mind why Russia is doing what it is doing.

If people are so concerned with renewed military research in Russia, then compare the spending for military there with the US for the past decade. Russia's budget for the military is still very limited. And if you had a limited budget for a crucial task such as national defense, wouldn't you focus on improving what you country is already good at, and then focus on catching up with the other stuff. Well it just so happens that Russian nuclear forces are its specialty and the key to its military and national defense, in the form of deterrant. So it will continue to invest in nuclear forces to retain its nuclear advantage, which happens to also be the only advantage it still has left compared to NATO. Currently it still can't compete with the US in areas such as stealth aircraft, aircraft carriers and navy forces, and significant world presence in terms of military bases in other countries. New nuclear systems are the cheapest and most effective way to insure that Russia still "matters" on the world stage. The US has nothing to worry about for a long while, at least untill Russia starts making its own aircraft carriers and positions its troops around the world ready to strike at a moments notice, like the US has continued to do since the end of the Cold War. Then you got yourself a fair match.

Why was the thread moved here, but not the other similar one to mine who was late to posting this, too? How does this not fit in the Breaking Alternative news?

Thanks

[edit on 20-10-2007 by TheoOne]

Well, I am European, and I for one do NOT trust Russia a bit. I believe in a terror-balance between nuclear powers, but Russia is starting to grow bolder. And if anyone is trying to brake any balance circles, it's Russia. Putin more and more strikes me as a madman.

Now, this does not mean I think Europe as a whole should side with anyone if a situation between the US and Russia escalates, but I welcome NATO and potentially the US (acting as a part of NATO or by themselves) as an ally in the common defense (going both ways) against potential Russian agression.

Now, the US has also been quite forward on some points. They want to build a missile defense system in Europe. This might be viewed as a bold act by the Russians, but I welcome it.

In the months from June to September alone Norwegian F16s have had to scramble 18 times to intercept Russian bombers that where approaching our territorial airspace. They have done the same in relation to British and NATO interest airspace a number of times during the last months.

We also have the more usual activity... Oscar class submarines have been detected several times specifically when there has been NATO exercisers near or in Norwegian waters. And then there are always the Russian "Fishing vessels" or "tankers"drifting about whenever there is a somewhat large scale Norwegian or NATO military activity over here.

They have always done stuff like this, and most of it is more a fun reminder of the excitements of the Cold War era for Norwegians, especially for recruits wanting to create some extra excitement while in the service. But the last months activity coupled with all the aggressive statements about pulling from agreements, supporting Iran and arming up should be a concern. I have no problem perceiving it as threatening.

Norway stopped seeing the eastern power as a real threat back in the 90s, but a different picture is starting to develop in the military, something that was confirmed when a report about or Nations security leaked back in September. The growing demand for natural resources can easily escalate an already touchy relationship with Russia in the Northern parts of Norway... an area rich in Oil, Fish and Minerals. No doubt the Russians have been testing Norwegian and NATO air response with their nagging bombers. A nation should always be open for neutral and allied nation turning enemies with time. This does not only count for Russia of course. But they way I see it, they are the ones acting threatening right now.

And by the way.. You should really stop talking about the "reds". True, a lot of the current powers of Russia, including Putin, go way back to Communist Soviet, but Soviet itself is dead and buried, and so is the socialist idea for Russia. The only remnants of that era left in Russia is the extreme authoritarianism of Stalinism and an increase in aggressive rhetoric and action. Communism is probably of no concern to Putin, but his past in the KGB clearly shines through in his leadership and how he communicates.

of cause they are spending more money to upgrade their military, including its military forces. Why?

1.Because of chinas growing and spending regarding military forces and their industrial capacity, which in long term will give them more influence globally.

2. NATO is spending more money, due to the operation in Afghanistan and the integration of forces from diffrent countries in NRF. Several NATO countries are about so purchase new aircrafts to replace the old wings of f-16(Especially Denamark and Norway), in Denmark the choise stands between JSF, Gripen, Eurofighter. this will mean a significant increase of high tech airplane close to Russian airspace.

I understand that Russia feels the increasing pressure and a trying to coop with it by talking about nuclear weapons. But as a European(Scandinavien) i feel discomfort, when Russia threats the security in Europe by closeing the gas pipes, political involvement in Kosovo and harsh retoric towards former Sovjet republics in eastern europe.
Anyway im pretty sure that EU and Russia will solve thinks out diplomatically no matter harsh words.