Russia could use bases for its strategic bombers on the doorstep of the United States in Cuba and Venezuela to underpin long-distance patrols in the region, a senior air force officer said Saturday.”This is possible in Cuba,” General Anatoly Zhikharev, chief of the Russian air force’s strategic aviation staff, told the Interfax-AVN military news agency.
The comments were the latest signal that Moscow intends to project its military capability in far-flung corners of the globe despite a tight defence budget and hardware that experts consider in many respects outdated.
Zhikharev indicated that Russia was looking only at occasional use of the facilities — not setting up permanent bases in the region.
He noted that the Venezuelan constitution prohibited establishment of military bases of foreign states on Venezuelan territory and described the Russian possibile use of the facility there as “we land, we complete the flight, we take off.”
Zhikharev said Cuba had a several air bases equipped with the long runways needed by the heavy bombers and said the facilities there were “entirely acceptable” for use by the Russian aircraft during long-distance patrols.
“If the will of the two states is there, the political will, then we are prepared to fly there” to the bases in Cuba, the agency quoted Zhikharev as saying.
The general also said that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had offered to let Russian strategic bombers use a military airfield on La Orchila island, a military base off the west coast of the country.
“Yes, there has been such a proposal from the Venezuelan president,” Zhikharev said.
“If a relevant political decision is made, this is possible,” he added.
Russia resumed patrols by its long-distance strategic bombers in August 2007 after a 15-year hiatus, noting at the time that it was mirroring the United States which never suspended its global bomber patrols after the Cold War.
Last year, Russia temporarily based a pair of Tu-160 bombers at an airbase in Venezuela in a carefully-choreographed display of force regarded by as a warning message to the United States.
A Russian flotilla led by the nuclear-powered cruiser Peter the Great also joined Venezuelan navy vessels for manoeuvres in the Caribbean late last year, timed to coincide with a visit to the region by President Dmitry Medvedev.
The previous US administration of George W. Bush officially shrugged off the Russian aviation and naval moves in Latin America, characterising them as more for show than anything representing a military worry for the United States.
Last July however, a top US air force officer warned that Russia would cross “a red line” if it were to base nuclear capable bombers in Cuba.
“If they did, I think we should stand strong and indicate that is something that crosses a threshold, crosses a red line for the United States of America,” said General Norton Schwartz said on July 23.
The Interfax report said there were three types of Russian aircraft capable of long-distance bomber patrols: The Tu-95MS, the Tu-160 and the Tu-22.
It was Tu-160 strategic bombers that were sent to Venezuela for temporary basing last year. Each aircraft of this type is capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles that can be fitted with nuclear warheads.
Well the wolves are at the door.
I find it interesting that the Venezuelan Constitution “forbids military bases of foreign states”. Perhaps something the U.S. should take note of. Primarily in regards to the basics. The CONSTITUTION. G. Washington pointed out that there should be no foreign entanglements.
The Russian military is showing us something that should be noted. We are vulnerable. I believe GW Bush has “shrugged off Russian naval/aviation movement” because the bureacrates made a deal during the Regan Administration. One thing about the Russians, they are fiercely loyal. “That wall” just didn’t come down because of of old warships Regan brought out of mothballs. Seems to me there was a matter of 68 Billion dollars that found their way to the USSR. Shortly after that Regan’s Vice took the helm. GH Bush. New World Order.
The only problem is, that deals made with the Executive Branch do not always fit the military agenda. Or vice versa.
My prediction is obvious. Once the One World Order happens, who will the military commanders fight. No more big battles just a bunch of skirmmishes with tax revolters, gun lovers, student riots, economic protests.
So now that the stage is set, who will govern. Military people will be the sacrifice. If we have “world order” why do we need the industrial military complex? Military commanders will want to govern, because after all “we” were the ones to “protect you”, and “we” fought your wars.
My prediction: Russia will divide it’s attention on both sides of the globe. China and the U.S. Perfect positioning, square in the middle.
The Executive Branch of the “New World Order” better watch their back. Remember Rome? It was the military that had to take over to restore executive rule and civil order. Yes, they do it “all”.
So now that the U.S. corporations have invested alot of the “bailout” money overseas, perhaps greed will distract. The executives maybe but not the military.
This is a great show, and I appreciate the fact I have a front row seat to one of the worlds best games; domination.
May the God of Abraham, Jaccob and Issac Keep you.
Lowell L Morse
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P.S. To the above mentioned.
Marty Robbins. “Big Iron”
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PSS. 50,000 Names. George Jones
At the foot of an oblisk. …”we have give our men let it stand tall. For “our” (NWO) will show them all.”
People, I greive for all to come, but even more the things that have already come to pass.
My Love, Respect
Keep Learnin’
Lowell L Morse
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