Russian Bombers Land in Venezuela

BBC ^ | 09/11/08 | no author name noted

[biscuit jane]

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez says two Russian bombers have arrived in the country to carry out training flights.

The Russian Air Force said the bombers would be based in Venezuela for several days and fly over neutral waters.

Earlier this week Russia confirmed that it would send a Navy squadron and long- range patrol planes for joint exercises with Venezuela in November.

Mr Chavez has developed close relations with Moscow, including the purchase of Russian arms and co-operation on oil.

Hugo Chavez announced that two Tu-160 bombers would carry out manoeuvres, saying that it was part of a move towards a "multi-polar world".

"I'm going to fly one of those beasts," he joked.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Chavez: Ready to fly

"The Yankee hegemony is finished," he added...

continued

[guitarplayer1953]

Thats true but my point was that there are so many of them they could over run us with foot soldiers.

[redgolum]

So be it.

We should send B1s to Poland then.

[TigersEye]

Thank you. I thought the USSR got the short end of the stick.

[null and void]

Thanks! I didn’t have that more global view.

[Tommyjo]

It is a air-launched cruise missile carrier. Think B-52 or B-1 in the ALCM role. The Russians currently have the longest ranged nuclear capable ALCMs. In the ALCM role they can sit and launch from thousands of miles away. As part of the Russian strategic arsenal they are taken extremely seriously by U.S. and NATO planners.