Russia has decided Alaska is up for grabs now that Sarah Palin has moved to Arizona

[mota bhai 2,675]

Russian strategic bombers conducted flights within the U.S. defense zone close to northern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands last week in Moscow’s latest incident of nuclear saber rattling against the United States, according to defense and military officials.

Two Bear H nuclear-capable bombers were detected flying into the military’s Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) near the Aleutians, where a strategic missile defense radar is located, and Alaska’s North Slope region by the Arctic and Chukchi Seas on April 28 and 29, military officials told the Washington Free Beacon.

Lt. Cmdr. Bill Lewis, a spokesman with the U.S. Northern Command, confirmed the fighter intercept of the latest bomber incursion but declined to provide details.

“Two U.S. F-22′s from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, were launched and visually identified Russian aircraft on the night of April 28, as the Russian Air Force flew standard out of area flights near Alaska,” Lewis said.

The bombers did not enter U.S. airspace, he said.

However, the Alaska ADIZ is a formal national security zone used by the military to monitor both civilian and military aircraft. The dispatch of F-22s is an indication the bomber flights posed a potential threat to U.S. territory.

It was the fifth incident of Russian strategic bombers flying against the United States since June

http://freebeacon.com/bears-buzz-alaska-again/

[GandD 5,966]

Ah, look at the Russians with their cute little prop planes.

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

Ah, look at the Russians with their cute little prop planes.

pretty much - i'm surprised they're still flying

[mota bhai 2,675]

They may not be the latest and greatest but can they do damage?

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

They may not be the latest and greatest but can they do damage?

sure - they are good for launching missiles that can have a variety of warheads.

but they can also be shot down by ww2 vintage fighter planes.

[GandD 5,966]

sure - they are good for launching missiles that can have a variety of warheads.

but they can also be shot down by ww2 vintage fighter planes.

Easily. Good luck making it out boys.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

pretty much - i'm surprised they're still flying

I'm not. I remember the Russian equipment we had when I was in the military (mid 80's). Some of the trucks in use dated back to WWII and those were among the most reliable.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Hopefully American equipment lasts longer than your average DVD player.

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

I'm not. I remember the Russian equipment we had when I was in the military (mid 80's). Some of the trucks in use dated back to WWII and those were among the most reliable.

there's also a lack of funds for maintaining what they have in their air fleet.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

there's also a lack of funds for maintaining what they have in their air fleet.

That's the beauty with this old Russian stuff. It requires close to no maintenance and is virtually indestructible. It's the kind of technology where you only need a screwdriver, a hammer and a pair of pliers to keep it running. Not very fancy but always working. Quite amazing.

[GandD 5,966]

That's the beauty with this old Russian stuff. It requires close to no maintenance and is virtually indestructible. It's the kind of technology where you only need a screwdriver, a hammer and a pair of pliers to keep it running. Not very fancy but always working. Quite amazing.

This is good for troop transports. Not as good for front line fighter jets.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

This is good for troop transports. Not as good for front line fighter jets.

Russian aircraft is known for endurance and durability. Conditions that would make a US jet unusable are the typical environment for FSU models.

[GandD 5,966]

Russian aircraft is known for endurance and durability. Conditions that would make a US jet unusable are the typical environment for FSU models.

F-4 Phantom and F16 have both been proven to be quite reliable and the F-15 was arguably one of the best all around jets ever made. I think the States had a few tough birds as well. The new problem ridden F-22 and F-35 may not be as reliable, but you can't deny their overall potential.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

F-4 Phantom and F16 have both been proven to be quite reliable and the F-15 was arguably one of the best all around jets ever made. I think the States had a few tough birds as well. The new problem ridden F-22 and F-35 may not be as reliable, but you can't deny their overall potential.

All those aircraft you listed could not land safely on an airstrip covered with potholes, gravel, and various debris. Look up FOD.

[GandD 5,966]

All those aircraft you listed could not land safely on an airstrip covered with potholes, gravel, and various debris. Look up FOD.

FOD?