May 11, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Col.-Gen. Alexander Zelin said on Saturday that NATO aircraft were approaching Russian bombers too closely and too often, creating risky situations.
“They approach our strategic bombers at unacceptable distances and at unacceptable intervals, conduct various maneuvers around them and violate flight safety rules in every way,” Zelin was quoted by the Interfax news agency as telling reporters Saturday
Zelin complained that NATO F-15, F-16 and F-22 fighter jets regularly “attack” Russian bombers over the Arctic Ocean.
“It is not a misuse of the word ‘attack’ because our partners are training for combat actions, reaching the point of an attack,” Zelin was quoted as saying.
“I must confess that this is quite unpleasant and even dangerous. Naturally, we rehearse our counteractions.”
Should Russia allow her fighters to escort the bombers?
What are your opinoins on this?
I think this might be an opportunity for the Russians to probe the F-22’s?