[Sixstrings]

Interesting video about the Typhoon's capabilities:

Eurofighter Typhoon Pride of the NATO alliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Xbvjnpjp4

[Sixstrings]

UK only has two airbases where they can launch typhoon interceptors:

Britain 'at mercy' of Putin in a war against Russia, former defence chiefs warn

Sir Michael Graydon, a former chief of the air staff, told The Times newspaper: “They have got us more or less at their mercy. We only have two bases where we have got Typoons. One is in Scotland, one is in Lincolnshire.

"The guys in Lincolnshire were having to go all the way down to Cornwall just to get anywhere near."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/britain-at-mercy-of-putin-in-a-war-against-russia-former-defence-chiefs-warn-10058543.html

[Tanada]

If the UK has limited their defense spending to the point they only have two useful air bases how is that Russia's fault? Just curious about your logic. The world is a dangerous place, let your guard down and sooner or later somebody will take advantage of your weakness.

[Sixstrings]

If the UK has limited their defense spending to the point they only have two useful air bases how is that Russia's fault? Just curious about your logic. The world is a dangerous place, let your guard down and sooner or later somebody will take advantage of your weakness.

I think what they're saying is that with just two airbases they can't respond quick enough to incursions, whether that's Russia or anyone else.

[Sixstrings]

As to the USA - don't know these days. I hope they are still on our side !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would think it goes without saying that the anglo world is a core alliance, above all others.

A lot of people don't know this little factoid, but the British have always been the #1 foreign investor in the US. People never think of it that way, because British doesn't seem foreign (and Canadian isn't "foreign"), whereas over the decades folks would protest against Japanese or Chinese or other "foreign" ownership.

We're probably tied together forever, sink or swim for better or worse, unless UK ever goes really socialist and rabidly anti-American or just recedes from the world and everyone forgets it's there.

UK has so much invested in the US, it really can't go off on divergent track -- what happens to us, affects Britain too, and maybe vice versa. If the US does well, then Britain and Canada do well.

The 'Ties That Bind' ? UK Is The Largest Foreign Investor In The U.S. By Far

In its report, Sterling Assets, the CBI reveals that the UK is the largest foreign investor in the U.S., supporting nearly one million jobs across the country. At year-end 2012, the UK – by investing $487 billion in the U.S. – was almost $200 billion ahead of the next large investor (Japan). The UK’s investment amounts to 18% of the total $2.7 trillion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in America, and is “substantially higher” than that of other large foreign investors namely Japan, the Netherlands, Canada and France, says the CBI.

“By comparison, investments from India and China are tiny” it adds.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dinamedland/2014/08/08/the-ties-that-bind-uk-is-the-largest-foreign-investor-in-the-us-by-far/

Kerry was just in London, meeting with the british foreign secretary about some US / UK sanctions on Russia:

US, Britain mull response to Russian action in Ukraine, but no plan emerges on new sanctions

US Secretary of State John Kerry, in London for talks with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, said Russia's conduct was "simply unacceptable" and that he expected to see agreement on further international sanctions in the coming days. "Russia has engaged in an absolutely brazen and cynical process over these last days. We know to a certainty what Russia has been providing to the separatists, how Russia is involved with the separatists," he told reporters.
http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/02/21/us-britain-discussing-new-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine

There's real concern, by the way, that one of these bombers that have no transponders and don't report to ATC could actually collide with a passenger liner:

Passenger planes at risk from Russian bombers, says former head of armed forces
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/passenger-planes-at-risk-from-russian-bombers-says-former-head-of-armed-forces-10062509.html

[Withnail]

As to the USA - don't know these days. I hope they are still on our side !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would think it goes without saying that the anglo world is a core alliance, above all others.

Dear God, you're not still raving on about this bogus story are you? Get a life, you saddo.

Kerry was just in London, meeting with the british foreign secretary some US / UK sanctions on Russia:

Oh yes, John Kerry. We all respect him so terribly much. Didn't he run away from the Viet Cong on his Swift Boat or something?

Or maybe I'm mixing him up with John McCain, who confessed everything to the Vietnamese in exchange for more comfortable conditions?

[Sixstrings]

Dear God, you're not still raving on about this bogus story are you? Get a life, you saddo.

I know you can't stand it withnail, but I am sorry, our two countries have a "special relationship:"

On the “special relationship” between the UK and the US, Walker said: “Just like two dear friends, our countries have stood together and fought two world wars.” He said the two countries have “triumphed over the forces of evil not once but twice”.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/11/scott-walker-special-relationship-trade-cheese-republican-chris-christie

That "special relationship" could wither and die though, WWII was a long time ago -- and it's not all about wars, it's just about the UK being prominent in the world and leading. It's not good for its natl security to recede, and be so quiet, and Germany and France on point with everything. And the French can't lead anybody anywhere anyway other than retreat, which the British full well know as much as we do.

Just get over it withnail, I know you don't like it but it is what it is and we're inner core allies and it's been that way for centuries and nobody is ever gonna break up the anglo world.

[Withnail]

Dear God, you're not still raving on about this bogus story are you? Get a life, you saddo.

I know you can't stand it withnail, but I am sorry, our two countries have a "special relationship."

Oh what joy.

I can't wait to see what delights are in store.

How about John McCain? Traitor to the country, wouldn't you say?

And as for Kerry, I think even Americans know the kind of grade A coward we're dealing with.

[Sixstrings]

How about John McCain? Traitor to the country, wouldn't you say?

How is McCain a traitor?

And as for Kerry, I think even Americans know the kind of grade A coward we're dealing with.

Yes, Kerry is weak. His war record is actually admirable, the swiftboat stuff was smear campaign. But then he went and threw his medals away, on camera.

I don't care for him. And I don't like Cameron, either. Though I'm sensing a hint of British mettle in him lately, maybe.

Withnail -- there is no difference between us. You have conservatives and liberals, and so do we. We receded from the world post Iraq, and so did the UK. Now the world is a mess and we are getting involved again, as will you. We have liberals that think one way, as do you, and we have conservatives that think another way, as do you.

[Withnail]

How about John McCain? Traitor to the country, wouldn't you say?

How is McCain a traitor?

Because he gave up American military secrets in exchange for better conditions. That's what I heard.

Withnail -- there is no difference between us. You have conservatives and liberals, and so do we.

You've said this before, and I told you you're an imbecile who knows nothing about Britain. Your categories don't apply here.

[Sixstrings]

Because he gave up American military secrets in exchange for better conditions. That's what I heard.

Well.. even if you're right.. (a) a fighter pilot doesn't know any super secret state secrets. NOT LIKE SNOWDEN anyhow, who just took it all to Russia on a thumb drive.

And (b), you can't ever criticize a pow for "breaking," after getting tortured and kept in solitary for years. He can't even raise his arms up all the way.

From what I recall about his bio, he was offered early release after they realized his father was an admiral. But McCain said no to preferential treatment, and remained captive and tortured for another 4 years. If that's not integrity then I don't know what is.

[Withnail]

Because he gave up American military secrets in exchange for better conditions. That's what I heard.

Well.. even if you're right.. (a) a fighter pilot doesn't know any super secret state secrets.

But he did it.

To get better food and conditions.

And sure he had secrets. Tactics, missiles, the lot.

He endangered the lives of other pilots, just as he did when he crashed a plane on a carrier.

From what I recall about his bio, he was offered early release after they realized his father was an admiral.

Sounds like utter crap. Why would the Vietnamese care who his father was?

[Sixstrings]

US gov asks Vietnam to stop allowing Russian bombers to refuel there:

Exclusive: U.S. asks Vietnam to stop helping Russian bomber flights

It is the first time that U.S. officials have confirmed the role of Cam Ranh Bay, a natural deep-water harbor, in Russian bomber plane activity that has increased globally.

Brooks said the planes that circled Guam were refueled by Russian tankers flying from the strategic bay, which was transformed by the Americans during the Vietnam War into a massive air and naval base.

Vietnam's willingness to allow Russia to use Cam Ranh Bay reflects Hanoi's complex position in a geopolitical tug-of-war that frequently pits China and Russia on one side and the United States, Japan and much of Southeast Asia on the other.

Washington is keen to secure greater access itself to Cam Ranh Bay as part of its strategic "pivot" to Asia to counter China's growing strength in the region. U.S. ships have visited for repairs in recent years.

Vietnam, in turn, has sought closer U.S. ties as a hedge against what it sees as China's aggression, but remains close to Russia in both defense and energy cooperation.

Cam Ranh Bay is now host to three submarines bought by Vietnam's navy from Russia to counter Chinese expansion in the South China Sea, with two more expected by early next year.

Brooks said in an interview the flights indicated that Vietnam's Cold War-era ally Russia was acting as "a spoiler to our interests and the interests of others."

RAISING TENSIONS

Asked about the Russian flights in the region, the State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Washington respected Hanoi's right to enter agreements with other countries.

But the official added: "We have urged Vietnamese officials to ensure that Russia is not able to use its access to Cam Ranh Bay to conduct activities that could raise tensions in the region."

The Vietnamese government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the U.S. request.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/11/us-usa-vietnam-russia-exclusive-idUSKBN0M71NA20150311

[AgentR11]

And Vietnam's response:
"Russia is Vietnam's strategic partner, we are developing our cooperation in the military and technical sphere, one of the elements of which is providing the Cam Ranh airbase for the landing of Russian refueling planes."

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/asia/20150312/10 ... z3UEgQZlK4

[Tanada]

Did anyone really think Viet Nam where the USA interceded unsuccessfully in their civil war, would just roll over and say sure we are going to PO the great power that helped us throw the USA out?

What kind of leadership do we have in the State Department anyhow? They seem to believe all they have to do is ask and everyone will toe the line they draw in the sand despite a dozen examples of the USA wishes being ignored or igniting the exact opposite response.

[AgentR11]

I'm convinced they honestly believe that everyone should either obey them, or die.

[Sixstrings]

I'm convinced they honestly believe that everyone should either obey them, or die.

Are you saying that about we Americans, or the Russians?

From some of your posts lately I guess you mean us.

Meanwhile, I've got CNN on now and Wolf Blitzer is doing his whole show tonight about Russia and the new cruise missiles. That one new missile poses a threat to NORAD radar and ICBM installations.

Then he just interviewed Wesley Clark. All due respect Agent, you can say what you want, but I believe Wesley Clark when he says that Putin "wants everyone to to think that resistance is futile."

Clark also made good points about how we know how to handle this stuff from our cold war experience, but the problem is that Europe and the US has a new generation of leaders that don't remember these Russian tactics and aren't sure how to handle it.

Clark talked about hybrid war too, what if Russia sends some men into Latvia to take a building and then they all just say "hey, I'm Latvian, I'm ethnic Russian Lativian." Clark says nato maybe needs a paramilitary police force, that could move in and retake a building, in that hybrid war scenario.

Wolf Blitzer had a good Russia expert on there, too. Turn on CNN now, it's all about Russia.

[Withnail]

Meanwhile, I've got CNN on now and Wolf Blitzer is doing his whole show tonight about Russia and the new cruise missiles. That one new missile poses a threat to NORAD radar and ICBM installations.

Why don't you try and think critically and work out how much of what you are watching is exaggerated, scare stories etc.

You'll have a heart attack at this rate, like so many other Americans.

[AgentR11]

Six asks me to turn on CNN.
No.
I do my own analysis of defense equipment, using things called "numbers" and this other thing called a "calculator".

Cruise missiles have ranges. You draw a little circle around a given launch point, and it tells you basically what they can get to. Then its a question of active defenses such as Standard missiles or S300/S400 thingies; and passive defenses such earth works, concrete, being buried in the middle of a mountain. With a cruise missile, its all about sneaky; how close to the ground can they fly, etc; it reduces the horizon on when they can be picked up and shot down. Its worked like this for decades. A radio facility, has to have its juicy bits exposed if its to be useful, no two ways about it; that means that its really simply a question of range; and kill at the point of launch where it is *not* sneaky.

So lets say the Russians have range on a facility now with their current generation of cruise missiles. Disregard passive, because they're trying to kill a fragile antenna. You can try to kill it as it approaches; which means you have to see it, if its flying low enough, you won't see it until its 1000m or less; and at that point, the only thing that stands a snowballs chance of hitting it would be something like the close in weapon system (seawiz) types that we use on board ships; which require continuous active radar, manpower, maintenance, etc. (see where this is going? sound familiar?) or...... you can try and intercept it at launch from the patrolling bomber aircraft, which means you're escorting something big, tough, slow, cheap, and low maintenance in horrible conditions with something expensive, fast, fragile, and high maintenance; and because of range and on station time, there will be lots of in air refueling or combat rotations.. (again, see the pattern).

This is the new Russian bear. He's not as dumb as the old bear. The old bear had ideological blinders on when it came to the checkbook. The current bear has a degree in finance, western, real finance. Old bear; well, he'd defend Cuba and nutty guys in Africa, and all over with air craft carriers and missile systems he couldn't afford. New bear, stays close to his borders, and puts deterrent forces right on our borders. And he puts them there on the cheap, and makes us either concede that the attack would succeed, or spend 100 times his cost trying to lower its chances of success.

At 100:1 cost ratio, the bear can do the same thing to us, that we did to the USSR.

On the other side of the cost issue, the bear also knows that a lot of our economic activity we finance through bonds we sell; many trillions of dollars worth now. Dollar is still strong, demand for our bonds is still strong, and the market was more comforted than freaked out by our Fed doing QE's to keep the interest rates on those bonds low but positive. So we're good and awesome for now.

Enter... China, renminbi globalization, long, long game. A very very gentle squeeze from above. A subtle game that we used to know how to play; till we just assumed that subtle was the product of the American flag instead of very hard work by very diligent, paranoid people. That squeeze puts an eventual cap on American exceptionalism. A cap that China+Russia as an integrated, economic unit *can* overtake, probably before 2050.

We should have done everything in our power to make Russia trust Europe and be paranoid of China. Now we're going to force them together for a couple decades, and watch as China doesn't take so much as a square inch of Russian territory; all the while turning lots of Siberian resources into hard cash in bank accounts in Moscow. By the time we see it, they'll be BFFs forever. We never, ever should have let this play out this way.

Maybe Obama really does hate American preeminence; because his policy will be the core of what ended it.