Russian bombers flew undetected across Arctic

Strategic bombers are not in the air 24/7 as they used to be up until only several years ago. They used to fly operational missions with real weapons and launch codes and if one listened on 15015kHz one could hear the continuous launch status of SAC (coded BTW).

We may have the bombers but they now do not operate like there is am imminent threat from the black bear to the north.

And neither do the Russians. The Russian Strategic Aviation operates today and since the end of the Cold War in the similar situation. The heavy strategic bombers are part of the triad. In the case of the B-52, Tu-160 and Tu-95MS they retain the capability as stand-off air-launched nuclear cruise missile carriers as part of their respective triads.

Just FYI folks, this link from the Canadian Forces official website at www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/news/2006/04/28_e.asp

Full text follows:

NORAD Fighters Always On Alert
WINNIPEG – The Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) deployed CF-18 aircraft to Canada’s Far North just before the Easter long weekend in anticipation that Russian aircraft might be flying close to Canadian sovereign airspace as part of a Russian strategic aviation exercise.

On 13 April, Russian aircraft entered the Canadian Air Defense Identification Zone (CADIZ). Canadian fighters were positioned in Canadian sovereign airspace and were ready to intercept and escort the Russian aircraft if required. At no time did the foreign aircraft enter Canadian sovereign airspace and all aircraft returned to their respective bases without incident.

“CANR maintains a constant state of readiness,” said MGen Charlie Bouchard, Commander Canadian NORAD Region. “We were there ready to take appropriate action. CANR and NORAD maintain a constant state of readiness and this deployment is testament to our continued resolve to ensure the sovereignty of North American aerospace.”

The ADIZ is a buffer zone surrounding North America that facilitates the identification of aircraft well before they come into contact with sovereign North American airspace. It is airspace of defined dimensions within which the ready identification, location and control of airborne vehicles are required.

NORAD is a bi-national Canada-U.S. command responsible for the aerospace defense of North America. The surveillance and control of North American airspace remains a prime mission focus for the men and women of NORAD. The command retains robust air defense capabilities to execute the air sovereignty mission over Canada, Alaska, and the continental U.S.

Prior to Sept. 11, 2001, we were primarily postured to look outward. Since that time, we have increased our emphasis and ability to look inward, while maintaining our ability to monitor and respond to outside threats.

For additional information, contact Maj. Mike Lagace, Canadian NORAD Region Public Affairs Officer at (204) 471-5222.

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My guess is the Russian account is a version of this same incident, spun heavily for domestic consumption, as some posters have suggested already. This is, incidentally, not the first time CF-18s have been deployed north to match Russian long-range aviation movements/exercises. Thought you might find this interesting.

So it is the big question to find out who REALLY drinks more: Russians or americans

In one month in Russia and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, I think I've seen more public drinking and drunks staggering around or passed out in broad daylight than I've seen in 40 years in the United States.

On the other hand, I've seen statistics showing the USA with a higher per capita alcohol consumption. Maybe that's so because of folks having wine with meals and such in the USA. Or maybe the stats out of Russia just aren't correct.