The aggressive aircraft maneuvers are becoming an almost weekly occurrence, with similar flights around other U.S. airplanes as well as naval vessels. The actions are unsafe and under the rules of engagement, the Russian aircraft could justifiably be shot down.
The Russian SU-27 approached alongside within 25 feet of the U.S. aircraft and then flew inverted over the top of the plane to the other side, Lt. Col. Michelle L. Baldanza, a U.S. Army spokesperson, said in a statement.“The SU-27 intercepted the U.S. aircraft flying a routine route at high rate of speed from the side then proceeded to perform an aggressive maneuver that posed a threat to the safety of the U.S. aircrew in the RC-135,” Baldanza said.The U.S. considers this a very unsafe aerial maneuver and is expected to voice its concerns to the Russians, a U.S. defense official told CNN.
The Russians have denied any wrong doing, and although in each occasion the U.S. was in international airspace or waters, Russia is signalling a much more aggressive stance and demanding that the U.S. stay away from presumably sensitive areas that Russia wants to claim. It is also a statement by Russia that the United States cannot protect European allies, and so far the U.S. truly has done nothing other than to protest, both openly and certainly through back channels.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is clearly anxious to make a show of strength and to project his power into the European theater, as well as in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries, and these activities are calculated to show strength and to taunt the U.S. The question is if they will ultimately lead to broader conflict as the administration contemplates a stronger response.
Unfortunately, the U.S. president is trapped by his weak and impotent previous military responses, and so strong and decisive actions would be out of character and unexpected. It is therefore likely that these displays will continue until a new president is in place and able to show the world that the United States is no pansy. Because Obama is driven almost exclusively by political motivation, expect his response to be whatever is most politically expedient.
Source: edition.cnn.com
Agree Mark Serlovsky
So what. obumrat wants Americans to think it means something other than it is. You obumrat are the biggest threat we have. Putin is within his rights. Putin has helped America out fighting your frigin precious isil and muslim brothers. I hope Putin wipes your isil OFF the face of this Earth.
Barrel roll over them, if you can, and if you are a fighters, give them the radar lock-on. If that’s not enough, give them a little warning burst from the mini-guns.
Russia is not our enemy anymore. We baled them out of starvation. Let them have their fun. Their confidence will most likely be our savior, as this Jihad ramps up even more.
And Obama just sits on his$#%&!@*and does nothing.