[VR-21]

I’m very curious as to the reason for all this Russian ADIZ probing. I don’t understand what they have to gain from bringing back the cold war, unless it’s some political tactic to galvanize their people behind their present government?

[tlb]

Just a reminder, the Russian GDP, including it’s new oil wealth, is about on par with the state of New Jersey or Mexico. The US, NATO, and the EU have pushed to the Russian borders swallowing up most of it’s European empire. What they can’t stop by force they may well be able to stop by bluff. And the Russians have almost a century of experience bluffing the west, usually with great success.

[GAB-1955]

It’s some political tactic. The old bombers don’t stand a chance in deep penetration of the enemy homeland; they’d fire cruise missiles from a distance. The B-52 which had the oopsie with the nukes was carrying them on cruise missiles. The Bears would drop their cruise missiles outside of North American airspace and run home.

Speaking of which, why is the Air Force getting rid of 400 ALCMs? I don’t recall any treaty requiring us to do so.

[hinckley buzzard]

I believe that Russia is and has always been intensely nationalistic. Putin has played on this and I hear he has become quite popular. So yes I would guess this is largely for domestic consumption right now, maybe to appease elements of the military, and may be setting the stage for increased investment in military spending--i.e., higher taxes.