Russia resumes Soviet-era strategic bomber patrol flights: Putin

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Moscow, Aug 18 (UNI) Russia has resumed the Soviet-era strategic bomber patrol flights on a permanent basis.

''Fourteen strategic missile carriers, support planes and tanker planes took off from seven Russian airfields in various parts of the country at 0000 hrs Moscow time on August 17. Combat alert has begun,'' President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday after the conclusion of anti-terrorist wargames, in Russia's Chelyabinsk region.

The exercise was undertaken first time under the auspices of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). President Putin called for an understanding from other countries on Russia resuming the long range strategic bomber flights.

Since 1992, the Russian Federation unilaterally stopped flights of its strategic aviation in remote combat areas. However, not all of the countries followed the suit. This had created certain problems for Russia's security, he said.

''For that reason I had made the decision on the resumption of flights of Russian strategic aviation,'' Russian news agencies reported quoting the Russian President.

We proceed from the assumption that our partners would meet the resumption of such flights with an understanding, he added.

The planes that had scrambled would be in the air for 20 hours with refuelling and in interaction with the Navy, Putin said.

''I believe that our fliers sat too long. They made flights occasionally, for example, during strategic exercises, but now they are happy that they are beginning a new lease of life,'' he said.

Former Russian Air Force Chief General Pyotr Deinekin said the resumption of strategic bomber patrols would strengthen Russia's defence capability.

"It is a good thing that the old geopolitical setup has been revised. It used to be based on the principle, 'No one is going to attack us.' Practice testifies to the contrary,'' Mr Deinekin said.

Highlighting the new potential security threats Russia is currently facing, he said NATO fighters were based in the Baltic States while radar stations were being built around Russia's borders.

UNI

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