Su-24s likely wouldn’t engage the Typhoons. It is more likely that this was a probe to determine the response of the British. The Su-24 is an attack/strike aircraft similar to the F-111. The Su-24 can carry anti-ship missiles, though.
It was a rather Russian thing to do.
Must have been an interesting ride for the Su-24 aircrews.
The Su-24 can carry some pretty significant anti ship weapons. Not so dismissive of a probe anymore.
They may be trying to determine how quickly the British respond, get some insight into intercept methods, maybe to pick up possible comm frequencies. Either preparing for a wider war in the Med., or at least trying to show Obama that they are ready for one.
” The Su-24 can carry anti-ship missiles, though.”
Looking for a blind spot in the fleet defenses. I read in a Russian article will any missile launch will likely come from the opposite side of Cyprus.
The administration’s working assumption seems to be that the Syrians can’t possibly strike back. Iran purchased 12 Kh-55 Kent cruise missiles from Ukraine in about 2001. The Iranian Meshkat cruise missile is rumored to be a reverse engineered Kent. If this rumor is correct and Iran were to provide the Meshkat to their ally Syria, assuming the missile is any good, it could make life exciting for the 6th Fleet and anyone else in the Eastern Med.
SU-24’s are a lot like F-111’s like you said, I think they might even have an on-board toilet because of those long distance flights.
Then they would get to go back to Syria, in hostilites, they wouldn't escape.
The Su-24 can carry anti-ship missiles, though.
Then the Navy CAP will kill them and give 0 the provocation he desires.