Are Russian bombers touring the world this year? Who’s next?
In March, Russian bombers were ‘intercepted in British airspace’, now in Canadian airspace – and it is not the first time.
From NORAD-Russian joint air drill, bomber incursions and Canada’s F-35 jet purchase:
an incident where Canadian fighter jets repelled two long-range Russian bombers off the coast of Labrador near the Arctic. Russia contends the flight was simply a training mission and deny trying to enter Canadian airspace. They maintain that the Canadian military was aware of the exercise contrary to Defence minister Peter MacKay who insists that they were not notified. NORAD fighters have intercepted between 12 and 18 bombers annually since 2007. In advance of President Obama’s visit to Canada back in February of 2009, Canadian fighter jets were scrambled to head off Russian bombers approaching its airspace. Prime Minster Stephen Harper promised that Canada would defend its airspace and sovereignty by responding every time the Russians make any kind of intrusion into its Arctic territory. At times, Canada and Russia have both been guilty of a war of words in regards to Arctic sovereignty.
Clearly the Russians are letting other nations know about their capabilities. How long until Russian bombers “test the waters” of American airspace?
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