08-06-2008, 10:46 PM
presstv.ir
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:54:41 GMT
Airbases in Latin American countries can ensure the 'permanent presence' of Russia's strategic bombers near US borders, says a Russian general.
"The flight to the US (from southern Russia where the bombers are based) takes about 10 hours and even with two mid-air refuelings the aircraft can spend only 1.5 hours near the US coast," Ria Novosti quoted Army General Pyotr Deinekin as saying. He added that using Latin American bases compensates for the difficult logistics of airborne refueling and allows for a near permanent airborne presence in close proximity to the US.
The general made the remarks in reference to Moscow's alleged intention to station the bombers in Cuba, Venezuela and even Algeria as a reprisal against US missile plans in Europe.
Undeterred by Russia's warnings, Washington has remained adamant about its scheme to place 10 long-range missile interceptors in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic as a precaution against what it calls the threat posed by so-called 'rogue states'.
NATO's borders encroaching upon Russia has been cited as a possible reason for Moscow raising the question of stationing its bombers near the US. If carried through, the proposal would have Cuba hosting Russian Il-78 aerial tankers which, in turn, would be able to replenish the fuel tanks of Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bombers possibly 160 Blackjack and Tu-95MS Bear whose staff have been examining one possible refueling stopover in Cuba.
On Wednesday, the Island's one-time leader, Fidel Castro stated in an opinion piece that "we need not offer any explanations or excuses nor ask forgiveness," over the matter.
HN/RA
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=64668§ionid=351020602
Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:54:41 GMT
Airbases in Latin American countries can ensure the 'permanent presence' of Russia's strategic bombers near US borders, says a Russian general.
"The flight to the US (from southern Russia where the bombers are based) takes about 10 hours and even with two mid-air refuelings the aircraft can spend only 1.5 hours near the US coast," Ria Novosti quoted Army General Pyotr Deinekin as saying. He added that using Latin American bases compensates for the difficult logistics of airborne refueling and allows for a near permanent airborne presence in close proximity to the US.
The general made the remarks in reference to Moscow's alleged intention to station the bombers in Cuba, Venezuela and even Algeria as a reprisal against US missile plans in Europe.
Undeterred by Russia's warnings, Washington has remained adamant about its scheme to place 10 long-range missile interceptors in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic as a precaution against what it calls the threat posed by so-called 'rogue states'.
NATO's borders encroaching upon Russia has been cited as a possible reason for Moscow raising the question of stationing its bombers near the US. If carried through, the proposal would have Cuba hosting Russian Il-78 aerial tankers which, in turn, would be able to replenish the fuel tanks of Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bombers possibly 160 Blackjack and Tu-95MS Bear whose staff have been examining one possible refueling stopover in Cuba.
On Wednesday, the Island's one-time leader, Fidel Castro stated in an opinion piece that "we need not offer any explanations or excuses nor ask forgiveness," over the matter.
HN/RA
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=64668§ionid=351020602