RUSSIA RESTORES BOMBER PATROLS
President Vladimir Putin said on Friday security threats had forced Russia to revive the Soviet-era practice of sending bomber aircraft on regular patrols beyond its borders.
Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/08/17...reut/index.html
What would be the reason to carry out something like this, now? Is that just to intimidate renegade states?
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
I think Russia finally has the $$$ to begin doing it again. It shut down its military in the past because of financial problems. With the price of oil, Russia is now flush with cash (having taken over Western projects in their territory as well).
That is a good reason, "I can so I will". Geographically speaking if you are going to fly beyond your border with an armed plane (and mind you that they have the reputation of 'accidentally' dropping bombs already) then you have to wonder where are they really flying - it is not over China - that is for sure.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
Russia has become less of a military power and more of a economic one and I think that there are still factions of the government that are a little affraid that this seems weak. Remember, Russia's turn to democracy is still in its infancy. Before that it was military, communism and might, 24/7, non stop. They were seen as strong. Today, what does Russia stand for? Oil? It is a interesting transformation. We certainly do not see them as the same military might that they were a couple of decades ago. Russia's last invasion was where? The north pole! The didn't have to remove anyone in that invasion...and it was for what? Oil. Russia is trying to remind everyone that it actually still does have a military and should be respected as such, IMO.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 863 86.3%
Russian democracy went from an infancy, to growing, and has now been contorted to be far less democratic than it was initially. There has certainly been a power grab at the core.
And with the new financial might, Russia is seeking to reacquire its military strength of the past.
My prediction is that the naysayers will claim the Pentagon is making things up about a growing Russian/Chinese military threat, and pooh-pooh any need to strengthen our own. For example, were America to respond to the new Russian flights of armed strategic bombers with our own, people would protest America, while saying nothing about Russia's first "strike."
Russia begins arms treaty freeze
Russia implements its decision to suspend a key Cold War treaty limiting troops and weapons in Europe.
Ref. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7139889.stm