Putin Flexes His Military Muscles

Putin Flexes His Military Muscles

www.guardian.co.uk

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced ambitious plans today to revive Russia's military power and restore its role as the world's leading producer of military aircraft.
Speaking at the opening of the biggest air show in Russia's post-Soviet history, Mr Putin said he was determined to make aircraft manufacture a national priority after decades in which the country has lagged behind the west.

"Russia has a very important goal which is to retain leadership in the production of milit..

(visit the link for the full news article)


[edit on 22/8/07 by Keyhole]

Well, there it is in black and white.

He also stated in this article that Russia was "resuming long-range missions by strategic bombers capable of hitting targets in the US with nuclear weapons. Patrols over the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans began last Friday for the first time since 1992."

These are probably the bombers that the UK encountered.

Can Russia afford the costs of building its military back up to its former power?

This sure isn't good news!

Looks like the begining of another cold war!

www.guardian.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)


[edit on 22/8/07 by Keyhole]

Definetly looks like Putin wants to revive the cold war. Obviously Russia doesn't have the will or expertise to become an economically successful western democracy, so they've realised that the only way people will take them seriously is if they pump up their military.

I can't help but think that this time the new cold war enemy will be The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Russia's been arming them and teaching them about western military technology for decades (source), this time round Russia will probably want to antagonize the US/NATO on multiple fronts.


I made a similar post here: Putin plans rearmament

Here are some more news sources on this topic:
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.theage.com.au

Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
Russia rearming, new aircraft carriers and 5th gen a/c the T-50
Military Strength of Russia (and compared to other nations)
Georgia: Russia dropped bomb on village
Russia threatens Poland and the Czech Republic????
Russia Claims North Pole in Global Race for Oil
Russia Pulls Out of European Arms Control Treaty
British RAF Jets Intercept Russian Bomber


[edit on 23-8-2007 by Cthulwho]

Originally posted by Cthulwho
Definetly looks like Putin wants to revive the cold war. Obviously Russia doesn't have the will or expertise to become an economically successful western democracy, so they've realised that the only way people will take them seriously is if they pump up their military.
[edit on 23-8-2007 by Cthulwho]

I'm sorry, but this seems like a ridiculous statement to me. Firstly, Russia has come a long way economically since 1989. It's taken them almost 20 years to get this far and they're still working hard on improving the economy. Russia tried to complete in manufactering arms before Communism fell and it's why the Communist regime fell. Why in the world would Putin want to make the same mistake, which was so obvious?

With U.S. arms right in Russia's backyard and with the craziness of the present admin, I'd be concerned about being attacked, if I were Putin. Sounds to me like he's trying to do the right thing for Russia, in order to be protected. Who knows when/if WW3 will occur - better to be prepared. It also gives jobs to the citizens, which helps the economy.

What's wrong with Putin doing the same thing that America has done for decades, manufacturing arms to protect themselves?