It’s a scene classically reminiscent of Cold War days or a Tom Clancy novel from the same: two weeks ago, Royal Air Force Tornados shadowed a pair of Russian Tu-160 Blackjack heavy bombers as they penetrated British airspace and nonchalantly cruised over the Scottish isles. RAF officials released photos of the intercept today.
Apparently, the Russians have been doing quite a bit of this over the past year. “People may be surprised to know our crews have successfully scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft on more than 20 occasions since the start of 2009,” said RAF Wing Commander Mark Gorringe. The Russian bombers turned around just short of the coast of Ireland.
The story quotes an unnamed British source saying the Blackjack sorties are an example of Russian saber-rattling. An article in UK’s Daily Express cites a more practical concern: a midair collision between the unannounced visiting bombers and civilian airliners in the crowded skies above the North Atlantic.
– Greg
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
Idiot Russians trying to relive the old USSR days.
Idiot Russians trying to relive the old USSR days.
I say shoot the bombers down, that'd teach'em
Absolutely beautiful photograph though– sorry that's all my inner photog notices at first glance. is there a full resolution copy available?
I agree nice photo
Lets get real Cold War and “accidentally” shoot them down.
Or better yet, shoot them down and when they ask where their aircraft are say “What Aircraft?”.
The days of us being afraid of their thirty division of tanks is long over.
The UK should not put up with this.
Well I don't know about shooting them down, but we could thump 'em. It work for the Chinese, and if we accidently bump we'd just blame them.
They are actually pretty good.
Shooting them down and you would not want to be ib the fall out.
Could you.
Could you really shoot them down.. :) :)
So can we now send about 2 dozen B1's and violate Russian airspace just for giggles?
How about two B2s buzz red square at midnight—that would get their attention and the B2s would make it back home.
Wow, Just wow. Look at all the hate. How about we shadow them and perform normal military protocal. Aka if it's just posturing then let's have each crew go back home alive and able to live with their respective families. What a novel idea.
Russians don't have families
Just out of curiousity how long do you think normal military protocol of don;t fire unless fired upon would last if 2 B1Bs violated Russian air space?
You;re right—if they shoot down civilian aircraft for violating their airspace imagine what they'd do to armed bombers crossing into their territory.
You're right-if they shoot down civilian aircraft how long do you think 2 armed bombers would last
Funny, I remember the US shooting down an airliner over the strait of Hormuz, which isn't exactly anywhere near our territory.
funny, Mark .. I'd think normal protocol if a bomber – esp one designed to carry nukes – violates your airspace would be to shoot it down..
..you talk about families, etc.. remember the family unit does not do well when incinerated by and H-bomb.. if you allow this .. where do you draw the line? ..do the bay doors have to be open?? I'd say its a bit late at that point (the Enola Gay was on what appeared to be a routine over flight, for example).. if you really believe anything you wrote, you're a tad nutty, eh?
Such action is very normal behaviuor by Russian military. It seems that either they do not have any navigation systems on board or would like to test the readiness of the country the borders they violate. Shooting town such agressors should be normal procedure to make them understand that their military might is basically non-existant.
It's good practice for our crews. :)
I have pics of them in Russia… I zoomed back a bit in one of the shots to include the smoke belching out as it sat on the end of the runway with brakes on and throttles open. The smoke was YELLOW !! Must get it scanned in.
Did they ACTUALLY violate UK airspace? The article reads like they did but historically (1960s thru 80s) they used to turn back at the border.
Anyone know for sure?
(I said "Know" , not "speculate" or "re-state the article".)
A UK newspaper indicated they were intercepted "near" Stornoway which is on the east side of the Isle of Lewis itself just off the coast of Scotland. If it had been on the west side of the island I'm certain the interception would have been "near" Loch Roag
It says in the article that the bomber turned back before reaching Ireland – I would say that's over the border (duuhh)
Wow i go with the guy that says we should fly a dozen or so B1s over russia then when the complain say what about your blackjacks!!!
We dont have B1 s!!
yes we do.
THE BIG BEAR HAS BEEN DECLAW……….THEY JUST DO THIS TO SAVE FACE……….
THEY KNOW WE CAN WIPE THEM OUT ANYTIME WE WANT…………
It's a MAD MAD MAD MAD world out there.
you can't wipe own nose!!!
You heard of mutual destruction!!
Very scary due to our economic debt to China & India now has a Supersonic cruise missile, & if Ivan gets that in these bombers, Oh well.
Cold War 2 BUT now were the ones like Russia was in the 1990s.
Well this is an example of the general public thinking that the threat of war is over; when actually there are those in power that stay in power by blaming the west for their nation's failures, as does Putin. With Stalin-like, black sweater shirt posters and exploiting his youth in youth camps, expounding how Russia suffers because of the USA, we are headed for trouble once again as always thanks to the peace loving, do nothing types.
I say let them play, but everyone of these "let's do nothings" should be the first drafted to waste years of their lives defending other "do nothings" right to find fault with their nation while catering to the egos and propaganda machines of Putin, Bin Laden, and Iran.
If you think they are right, please move you and your family over there and see what it is like to have no freedom to speak against your homeland.
Warn the bombers, try to wing nudge them in a turn back home, but if they heed not, send them home minus an engine. Let the world press then explain why they should not be intercepted and shot down when they would not hesitate to do so. The rules of engagement must be honored, so let's use their rules for a change.
Joe
LCDR USN/ret.
I agree–if the threat of war was over then why all the devolpment of new and better weapons systems?
Like the F-22 and B2 Spirit, many weapons were built for the Cold War. It just took so long to develop that we are just now getting them now.
yes and you for one would most probably speak from your well traveled life? I would like to know how a non russian or a non Iranian came up with the conclusion such as this? Statistically speaking you are most likely never have left your home country to see what its actually like out there in the real world outside the land of consumption and hypocrisy. You accuse these nations of being tyrannical but you yourself are propagating foreign information, your life views and your entire psyche is the product of decades upon decades of thought done for you, packaged nicely with a pretty bow presented personally to you by uncle sam during the great american past time of sitting on your ass and indulging in "liberal news" and "free, unbiased information" on "uncorrupt and independant" news stations such as CNN.
All roads lead to wall street, the mercury in your water supply has already begun destabilizing your empire.
Kind regards
from a person who despises what your empire stands for
that's fine, you can hate it because i love it and i am better than you.
Surprised they can still get any of them airborne. I assume there’s a reason the RAF didn’t knock them down upon entry into their airspace? Seems the Russians didn’t have any problems knocking down an airliner that was merely nearby. Don’t recall any apologies after that one, either.
Probably we should shot it down if it tried it again. Its becomming a hobbit. These bombers maybe armed with nuclear weapons and other devastationg bombs. These rediculous incursions by RUssian bombers should not be tolerated.
Russians are becoming Hobbits and they have nuclear weapons! Wow has anyone told Gandolf the wise!
Yes. That makes a lot of sense. Shoot down a bomber carrying a nuke. Kill a small aircrew and then thousands of civilians with radiation. At least the people who really are making the decisions have more sense than that.
Do you want to start a world war?
Also, learn to spell.
If you were to take them out all you would do is strengthen that idiot Putins, anti west rhetoric.Let them fly around–with the age of their equiptment they;ll probably fall out of the sky on their own.
the tu 160 is one of the most modern of strategic bombers in today's existence. if one was to compare the russian strategic bomber squad with the RAF's then the russian one is far more superiour mainly because of the fact that RUSSIA IS THE ONLY NATION IN EUROPE WITH A STRATEGIC BOMBER SQUAD.
hey..if they shoot the plane..there will be a major conflict..
I don't think so, does your neighbor just walk into your yard and look at your stuff, or how about walk into your house. If you tell your neighbor to get off your land and doesn't do you think you would be in the right to shot his ass?
Actually, we have the Castle Law here in Texas. If someone is trespassing on your property (including your vehicle), you don't have to give them a warning, you can just shoot to kill with no questions asked.
Just goes to show the Ruskie's still have an arrogance and attitude problem. Lepord's don't loose there spots.
I say minus an engine but they dont want to start another world war so blowing them out of the sky would not be a good idea. This pic being released will put some pressure on them to cut it out but you never know with the Russians. Just have to see how it plays out.
The constant incursion by the Russians are exercises and may become real next time if we have conflict with them or their allies. and I believe its intended for that purposes. I think its wise if we station anti surface to air missiles in every territory and 5th generation jets on our borders, speially if it becomes an actual conflict.
It's HIGHLY unlikely the Russians violated UK airspace. They are very professional and have never done this, it would cause a MASSIVE international incident. Normally when they are detected approaching, they are intercepted outside the territorial airspace, and accompanied to the border. At which time the Russians wave, turn around and head home. This is not done in a vacuum, but is a response to US submarines constantly patrolling off the Kola peninsula. If you would like them to stop, then stop doing it yourselves.
Really? Professional? Worried about international incident? You must not have heard of KAL 007. 246 innocent civilians murdered by those "professionals".
To help jar your memory: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Air_Lines_Flight_007
…..or how about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Air_Flight_655 ??
Regards & all,
Thomas L. Nielsen
Luxembourg
IAF 655 was a terrible mistake but very different. US forces had been shot at by Iranians forces and the USS Vincennes was moving to engage them as 655 was moving overhead. The Vincennes made a mistake during hostile activity.
KAL 007 is relevant because we are taking about peace time violations of air space. We escort armed bombers out. USSR, in a similar situation, shot down civilians.
How about that.
That was 30 years ago. S*it happens. And it was KAL violating Soviet airspace. When was the last time Russians violated UK airspace.
I think your response kinda makes my point. It's a question of character.
Also, this article claims it was an actual violation of air space. No one has presented contrary information. Also, Russians have been turned back from Canadian and US airspace several times.
It's the one with the claim that should bring evidence …. so get the evidence of border violation… otherwise go F yourselves.
all such flights are conducted ALWAYS beyond national borders. Sometimes within radar control zones…. yes, but that's not prohibited.
Our friend is living in a fantasy world. Russians concerned about massive international incidents? Since when, last week?
I'm suprised the British Royal Air Force didn't invite them down for tea? It is doubtful that a Russian bomber would have violated British air space and probably skirted their air space. Either way, Russia is looking for respect.
Maybe if they just light em up with air defense missile radars. Even launch a missile or 2 and then abort the missiles before they strike. At least the Russian crews will go home with dirty underware.
Good thing the RAF invested in that new RUST SEEKING MISSILE technology.
funny, there is obviously no such childish thing that which you speak of in existence anywhere. If the RAF seriously invested R&D resources on such a thing i would personally think that would be the silliest distribution of resources.
Opine
Having been “out there” some years ago, these Over Flights do pose serious threats. Airliners commercial types, Route Controls, Mid Airs, all pose actual physical threats to life and limb. Political posturing via the Russian DOD or the USA DOD assets is, unfortunately, a way of life that should be long gone.
We live just as close to the edge of Armaggeden as we did in the 60s, but the general folks are fast asleep re this issue.
One slip, your fault, mine, the russkies, the US, or simply no ones and we over the edge. Lived there, do not care to go again.
Semper Fi
end
I say we hang em, them we kill em!
Nice comment from a reasonable person in Times:
" Gyles Williams wrote:
I love the "blow them out the sky" comments. Nice to know armchair heroics is not the sole preserve of Americans idiots and that we have our own true blue British idiots alive and well.
As for the Russian stereotypes (stealing tech, primative technology, getting lost)… Well, yes this suppose B1B copy is very similar conformationally.
But it is half again as heavy, has almost half again the range, and flies nealry twice as fast (Mach 2 vs Mach 1.25). It is partialy stealthy, uses the Russian variety of GPS and can carry six cruise missiles.
There is no equivalent piece of kit in the West's toy cupboard.
This item is only 'news' because the RAF are desperate to maintain funding and got some pretty photos to get press coverage. Since 2007, when Russia ressumed strategic bomber patrols, this is a common occurance."
Can't agree more.
As a matter of fact this used to happen all the time over/around Alaska. The Russians would send a Bear bomber/recon aircraft and we'd send up F-15s to intercept and escort them back home. It was mostly just a test of our response times and probably to see just how we would react.
That brings up an interesting question then, Riceball: why would Russia want to test the reaction times of those nations it has an alliance with?
I think this sort of violation, should stop, and if your able to drop them at the door step and they fall on your porch you had every right to do it. This would prevent any accident in the future. Really this sort of games played into a dangerous cold war, that could have been hot many times over because of this sort of crap. Just claim a no fly zone outside your boarders if no other country is there. Redraw the line in the sand.
hi,
as a Brit we hear about this quite often but they generally fly near airspace and then patrol for a bit with a couple of RAF boys for company (though why it wasn't Typhoons instead of Tornados I'm not sure, I though the F3s had been retired early). there seems mutal respect between both sets of pilots, smiles and waves etc. … I get the impression it is more the political masters in the Kremlin trying to make some point, if we were to shoot them down it would cause an incident out of all proportion to the provocation and give Russia a huge propaganda coup. Much better to intercept and show how easily we can (not heard of any slipping our airspace without being spotted yet) and also our radar and fighter officers get good experience dealing with the Ruskies. Isn't there similar incidents with US ships and Chinese submarines when out at sea?
Vladimir Putin has spent the last decade rebuilding the one and only military assest Russia has to show the world, especially the West, that Russia is back as a military power house and that is the Russian Air Forces, particularly their strategic air forces.
I do not think that Putin is intentionally trying to “start” something. In stead of rattling sabers, I think he is more interested in rattling cages.
im sorry but you like so many others in this comment page are so very wrong. its funny when any type of article like this surfaces everyone is a ******* genius in russian foreign policy. You do not know ****. Putin has not done anything good for the russian state, he continued privatisation and lowered the living standards drastically just to name a few things. There is no military in russia it is all falling apart.
Yours truly, a native russian that actually know’s what the **** he is talking about.
Shoot that down? I'd let it patrol my back yard, if I could get a ride… It's a truly wonderfull looking plane.
They was talk of a civi version with the Germans to make it an air launch platform for a satellite system… It's mach 2+ capacity would have been a great help.
Mark · 19 hours ago
Wow, Just wow. Look at all the hate.
Look at all the hate? You're an idiot. What are you 14 years old? Please don't post here anymore.
If the planes violate UK airspace, the UK is in it's rights under international law to shoot them down. And the Russians should know. They made a practice of it. (KAL 007, Gary Power's U2, etc.)
wow, a blackjack and a tornado f.3, two useless cold war relics in the same pic. so if the brits *did* want to shoot that down, were they going to scramble something that has a working sensor and weapons fit?
I personally feel that Russia canover fly the USA without any recourse from our peace loving Administration. Pytin knows his limits and will test and stetch them as often as he cares to….
Steve Retired
We can't afford this kind of stuff happening in the world when we have Hussein Obama as our commander-in-chief.
At what point will it stop being "cool" to refer to our nation's leader as "Hussein"? I mean, it's a common name that happened to be the name of a dictator who has long since been executed. It's not like he's named "Barack Polpot Hitler Obama" or something. I'm still waiting for people to start saying "Joseph Biden… you know, because his first name is the same as Stalin's, so that means he's a communist"
And you make a great point about having Obama in office right now. If Bush were still in office, I'm sure he would already have troops on the ground preparing to invade Russia. The man was a warmonger and had no grasp on domestic policy. But yeah, I can understand you wanting him back in office, since his name was so "American".
Afghanistan was a good decision, Iraq was unwarranted and unjustifiable.
Iraq was our own fault for putting Saddam into power. The US created that mess and the US is there cleaning it up. It wasn't all about a "Bush Vendetta" nor all about the oil; it was about trying to fix a major mistake that we caused to happen when we trained him and his cohorts (to over-throw a different dictator) decades ago.
Kind of like how we trained the Taliban (to protect Afghanistan from Russia) and we are now paying the price for it.
20 times huh—well that's enough a bit more aggressive action is needed at this point.
Lighting up the firecontrol radar on the interceptors can be assumed to be an act of war. During the cold war we did intercept uSSR aircraft after violating Nato airspace. They got forced down at Nato bases and given base exchange priveleges while the striped suits figured out what to do. Sometimes the USSR planes and crew just waited in the aircraft (while gathering radio intercepts).
Fly in front of the Blackjacks and use your engine exhaust to scorch their windshields.
When I listen all this retarded aggressiveness I'm speechless.
If Russia is attacked Chine will back her & opposite.
Just bring it on, you scare nobody.
Huge number of people hates USA&NATO and wait only for that…
Please Homer. We scare everybody militarily (the US is NATO) thats why Russia is attempting to look tough with these stupid flights and as for China we'll just use our prop planes to take out their jets. Seems like its fairly easy to do. Yup free societies are indeed scary to despots and tyrants. Britney Spears might eat your babies.
They dont penetrate our airspace they skirt around it!!
Such an imbecile reaction to a normal training flight…. all such flights are conducted ALWAYS beyond national borders. Sometimes within radar control zones…. yes, but that's not prohibited. A little provocational, I agree… but but to the extent that justifies such violent hate-spitting responses from war-maniacs here.
This is Maverick requesting permission to do a fly by.
Hm. I have different questions. Where did this flight originate? Did they fly all the way around the Kola -and tank- or did they cut across Norway unmolested? Are they using the same aircraft on all these sorties? Were they armed? Maybe they traded lack of payload for extended range. We can't really regard this a threat,
“People may be surprised to know our crews have successfully scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft on more than 20 occasions since the start of 2009,”
Curious about the timing of the announcement if they have so many examples over the last year – if I was being cynical I would suggest that someone in the RAF may have noticed that there is a General Election for the UK Parliament in a few weeks, and that BOTH major parties have promised a defence capability review (i.e. spending cuts in non-political speak) if they win.
As a result, all three armed forces are likely to be using every opportunity to go "Look at us! We're important! Don't cut our budget!"
I really doubt they violated British airspace, this type of border testing is quite common especially by the Russians. I live in Denmark and this happened more than 40 times during 2009 with Danish airspace all by the Russians never have they flown across or into Danish airspace.
I bet they are testing the British detection capabilities for further use to have in their data bank. I don't think they are dumb enough to attempt a war with just one airplane. The Brits are probably getting some good from this also.
Its like a classic car enthusiasts convention in the sky!
Its like a classic car enthusiasts rally \ convention in the sky!
WIKI is quite interesting. I hope England can protect us if RAF Leuchars is closed.
In October 2008, during a Russian military exercise code-named Stability 2008, Tu-95MS aircraft fired live air launched cruise missiles (ALCM) for the first time since 1984. The long range of the Raduga Kh-55 ALCM means the Tu-95MS Bears have been transformed once again into a strategic weapons system.