Posted on 07/21/2008 3:41:21 PM PDT by nuconvert
Russian military "considering stationing bombers on Cuba"
Jul 21, 2008
Moscow - The Russian military is considering deploying long- range bombers to Cuba to counter the perceived threat of the US missile defence shield planned to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland, according to Russian media reports Monday.
'At the moment, there are just thoughts - but that doesn't mean there isn't something concrete behind it,' an unidentified officer was quoted Monday as telling Izvestiya newspaper.
He said the aircraft under consideration were Tu-160 and Tu-95 MC bombers. Russia gave up in 2001 a base in Lourdes, Cuba, which had been set up during the Soviet era.
The former commander of this base, Lieutenant-General Mikhail Oparin, was quoted as welcoming the idea. 'Russia's air fleet must work towards a presence in every corner of the world,' he told Interfax news agency. The US, after all, had bases worldwide.
'An extended radius of action for our air force could be a response to the one-sided action of the USA in setting up a strategic system on Russia's borders,' he added.
The newspaper said that from a technical point of view there would be no problem basing Russian bombers on Cuba for a limited period. However, Moscow's view on doing this was unclear.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, while he was still president, had threatened 'reprisal measures' if the US went ahead with basing its missile defence shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. He warned that Russia was able to target central Europe with its own missiles.
Russia views the planned deployment of ten US missiles in Poland and a radar facility the Czech Republic as a threat. However, the presence of Russian bombers on Cuba would provoke an international conflict, the Izvestiya report said.
Just 90 kilometres separated Cuba from the US coast, and the US had 'eyes and ears' on Cuba with its Guantanamo base.
In 1962 the Cuba crisis saw the US and Soviet Union in a dramatic face-off before Moscow abandoned plans to built missiles bases there.
Planning for a B. Hussein O. presidency I’ll bet!
Here we go again. It will probably result in a fat aid package for Cuba.
Time to restart Chrome Dome?
http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/16045217.html for a description.
Jack
Russia is in another Cold War with us there is no denying. Their blatant support of Islamic terrorists, which are killing out troops needs to be countered. In the long run we need to face down the neo-Stalinists in Moscow. Protecting us and our allies in Eastern and Central Europe from the bear’s claws, while at the same time limiting the Sovi... eh Russian capabilities is only reasonable. I say bring it on Putin!
Has Obama introduced a bill yet for Cuban runway money?
Because its not BS. They are defensive weapons; and yes can be used if Iran (Syria, insert another crazy ass country) launches ICBMs at Europe. Yes they can also be used for Russia and its not just aimed at Iran. However the real question is why is Russia so bent out of shape about 10 defensive missiles, if they are full of love and joy and no ill plans for europe or the U.S.
pong
Its their front yard.
Because its not BS. They are defensive weapons; and yes can be used if Iran (Syria, insert another crazy ass country) launches ICBMs at Europe. Yes they can also be used for Russia and its not just aimed at Iran. However the real question is why is Russia so bent out of shape about 10 defensive missiles, if they are full of love and joy and no ill plans for europe or the U.S.
Monroe/Truman/JFK/ ... doctrine again?
D'em missles in Turkey are long gone ...
BLINK anyone!
Ahh...not really. The Rooskie may believe Poland and the Baltics are its front yard. They are sovereign neighbors.
Might be a good thing for Russia to do. It seems half of America doesn’t quite believe the world is a dangerous place.
They think war is like a video game that you shut off when you get tired of playing.
They believe that being nice to your enemies will cause them to empathize, play nice and not each your lunch when you turn your back on them.
They believe submissive behavior on the part of the USA will bring peace.
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