Posted on 11/12/2014 12:46:12 PM PST by TangledUpInBlue
A top Russian official said Wednesday the country plans on conducting patrols with its bombers that extend into the Gulf of Mexico.
“In the current situation we have to maintain military presence in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, as well as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday in Moscow, The Associated Press reported.
The Russian official did not provide specifics on the patrols, but said planes will conduct “reconnaissance missions to monitor foreign powers’ military activities and maritime communications,” AP reported.
Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, told AP he would not characterize Russia’s actions as a provocation, as the nation has a right to operate in international airspace.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
“In the current situation we have to maintain military presence in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, as well as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico,”
What, specifically, would be the nature of this “current situation?” Is Putin undertaking to police the near-shore waters of the U.S.A.? How flattering, that he be so concerned for our safety and welfare.
You folks must be young. Anyone remember Powers?
The TU-95 has a range of about 4500 miles before it has to turn around (assuming a two-way trip). Without refueling that won’t get them to the Gulf of Mexico from anywhere in Russia. Vladivostok to Houston is 6600 miles if they fly straight across the western US to get there. Moscow to Miami is 5800 miles if they fly straight across Europe. They’ll be a bit closer after they finish digesting Ukraine, but they still won’t be close enough to do anything more than turn around and go right back home.
As in Francis Gary??
They will need local bases to operate out of. I don’t believe the Russian Air Force has much of a long range tanker support. Plus they need to have someplace to go for routine maintenance, crew rest, weather and emergency diverts, etc.
I would imagine the creature comforts are pretty limited.
All the more reason to invite them down for beer and BBQ!
We should let them land. It’s a cool looking plane. We could charge admission.
They will land in Cuba or Venezuela, refuel and fly back.
We need to let ‘em land in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, or Florida, feed ‘em up up with BBQ, oysters and beer, and send them home.
I’d pay $20 to have a look at a Tu-95.
Now that you mention it, I remember that giant Antonov 225 - the only one of its kind - being based out of Houston. The had it doing specialized (ie. *BIG*) cargo.
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