Russia sends out 14 long-haul bombers

Herald Sun ^ | 18 August 2007

[Aussie Dasher]

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin sent 14 bomber aircraft on patrols far beyond its own territory today, marking the permanent return to a Soviet-era practice.

Mr Putin said the resumption of flights was a response to security threats posed by other military powers.

“We have decided to restore flights by Russian strategic aviation on a permanent basis,” Mr Putin said at joint military exercises with China and four Central Asian states in Russia's Ural mountains.

“Today, August 17 at 00:00 hours, 14 strategic bombers took to the air from seven airfields across the country, along with support and refuelling aircraft.

“In 1992, Russia unilaterally ended flights by its strategic aircraft to distant military patrol areas.

" Unfortunately, our example was not followed by everyone.

“Flights by other countries' strategic aircraft continue and this creates certain problems for ensuring the security of the Russian Federation,” Mr Putin said.

Earlier this month Russian air force generals said bomber crews had flown near the Pacific island of Guam, where the US military has a base, forcing US aircraft to scramble into the air to track them.

[mad_as_he$$]

Is this what you call “maximum effort”?

[mad_as_he$$]

Bear is 75mph slower than a BUFF. 39,000 foot ceiling vs Buff’s 50,000. Bomb load isn’t even close. BUFFs have been updated and carry a wide array of weapons. We actually train our pilots.