In the paper today the RAF have had to intercept three Russian bomber incursions into UK airspace,Does this mean the cold war is starting again and should the UKs armed forces be built up to post war levels again.
I believe that in the cold war era the Russians were testing our defences,Should we ever trust the Russians again.
2007-07-20 22:35:13 · 12 answers · asked by Francis7 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
PaulT they did use TORNADO and they were Russian Bombers not Fighters.
2007-07-20 22:44:37 · update #1
first of all, paul t. russian bombers would be of the tupolev variety (tu-95, tu-160...) not MiGs.
this happens all the time in the US around alaska. its just russia's way of reminding people they still exist, even though their military is in shambles.
2007-07-20 22:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by R. S 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It was a pair of Tupolev Tu-95's rather old school but good bombers, this is a fairly common occurence and is could be interpreted as provocation OR the Russians saying "business as usual" as in they do this all the time, and they won't stop just because of diplomatic wrangles.
As its only a pair it is hardly any kind of threat, they wouldn't stand a chance of getting anywhere they could actually attack within the UK before being blown out of the sky - when its 200 you need to worry!
The Russian military whilst powerful, without resulting to WMDs its very unlikely they would be able to beat a combined Euro force, their own people would not stomach it and their economy would die in months. Additionally former Soviet Republics and even some Russian Federation partners may see that as a chance to gain favour with Europe by attacking them from a new front and settle some old scores.
2007-07-20 23:13:50 · answer #2 · answered by The Pirate Captain 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is a regular occurrence they don't actually enter our airspace but are picked up a couple of hundred miles from our airspace and are mostly reconnaissance aircraft, as for building up our troop levels, no not necessary we have missiles that can do the job of thousands of troops -eg. keep whats left of the red army in Russia, & we have never trusted the Russians
2007-07-20 23:03:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Stuff like this happens more frequently than is reported...nations test another's alert systems all the time....but with the political controveries recently between the UK and Russia, it is a front-page story.
2007-07-20 22:44:47 · answer #4 · answered by Zombie Birdhouse 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What paper? where`s the link?
This happens all the time, nothing to worry about.
The only reason it is actually getting headlines now is because of the handbags between Russia and the UK in the last few days.
It happens all the time and always will - but really RUSSIA are not that powerful anyway.
2007-07-20 23:01:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just a routine occurrence must have been a quiet day on the news desk
2007-07-21 20:51:47 · answer #6 · answered by frankturk50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its our touchy-feely-policies that allowed them to grow in strength in the first place!. Although Russia has a mighty, armed force, they are made up of conscripts, who detest the position they are forced in. I think a diplomatic stand-off is all they can muster at the moment. Or they could turn off the gas taps this winter!.
2007-07-20 22:47:38 · answer #7 · answered by Old Man of Coniston!. 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
So ? whats new? Gotta let the other know not to let their guard down after pulling diplomats back home. Makes for good print to read.
2007-07-21 03:04:30 · answer #8 · answered by Satch 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's all sabre rattling.
Yes, trust the Russians- but don't trust Labour- after all they're the ones destroying us.
2007-07-21 00:14:40 · answer #9 · answered by B.o.B 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
when did it stop? who relies on Russian politics?
2007-07-20 23:03:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋