by AgentR11 » Thu 19 Mar 2015, 16:58:37
PAK TA is fine in reality... its reality will have very little resemblance to said press release.
I think it loses a little in translation as well; its obviously meant to deliver a military unit some distance fairly quickly, ie like from a base in Southern Russia to the far opposite side Russia in the Arctic. There will not be a thousand of them dropping hundreds of tanks and apc's all over the place.
Russia's military purchases do not support the notion of Russia projecting power overseas; so anything they are actually building for future use should be seen in that light. Now, if they put a Super Carrier hull in the water, I'll change my tune completely; but for the moment, the navy guys need to beg for permission just to be allowed to draw one on paper. Kremlin is exceedingly NOT INTERESTED in buying a personal dance party platform for 8-15 billion USD.
What they are taking delivery of, and making lots more of, small subs, ballistic missile subs, frigates, corvettes, tanks, jets, helicopters... you know, all the things you'd use if attacked or defending your interests along your borders. I don't think they even have a big blue water cruiser coming any time soon.
This press leaky thing on the PAK TA, is one of two things, some RF air force guy having a public erotic dream episode; or is just meant to yoink some chains in the West for fun and giggles.
PAK TA will be subsonic, it'll carry heavy loads, with modern efficient engines, and will let them deploy a unit or three anywhere in Russia or its near abroad in a few hours. That's its purpose. IF they can make us think they'll be dropping tanks in Australia with no warning...well, they'll get us to spend a whole bunch of money for tanks in Australia, ideally lots of tank battalions all over Austalia, and all they'll have had to do was drool on some reporter. (hybrid, remember, checkbooks, not bullets)
Yes we are, as we are,
And so shall we remain,
Until the end.