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Tu-160 Nearly Overflys Hull in the UK- UK defensive unpreparedness?

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  • Tu-160 Nearly Overflys Hull in the UK- UK defensive unpreparedness?

    The article sounds somewhat sensationalistic and seems based on unofficial sources. But the concern and recrimination it has set off in the RAF and MoD is interesting, even if seemigly overstated.

    Russian nuclear bomb came within 90 seconds of Hull coastline after RAF pilots failed to intercept it in mock attack | UK security | The Sun |News

    The supersonic “Blackjack” jet flew a direct course for the port of Hull, East Yorks, in a lighting-fast mock attack.

    Creeping in low over the North Sea, it changed course just 20 miles from UK territorial airspace.
    One senior RAF pilot said: “The Russians made us look helpless. The Blackjack could have got even closer. It was a disaster — it basically gave the Russians the green light to fly wherever they want.”
    A US Air Force stealth bomber penetrated UK air defences without detection in a secret mission from Missouri to Lincolnshire.

  • #2
    Originally posted by Equilibrium View Post
    The article sounds somewhat sensationalistic and seems based on unofficial sources. But the concern and recrimination it has set off in the RAF and MoD is interesting, even if seemigly overstated.

    Russian nuclear bomb came within 90 seconds of Hull coastline after RAF pilots failed to intercept it in mock attack | UK security | The Sun |News
    The Russian bomber getting so close is definitely something to be looked into..however the "US stealth bomber" forray into UK airspace seems to be over-dramatised..isn't that what stealth bombers are supposed to do - penetrate a country's airspace without being detected..?

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    • #3
      I suppose the Tu getting so close is a bit disconcerting. But where'd the stealth bomber come from? It seems so off topic. Of course it got through without detection. Like mercenary said, that's what it's supposed to do.

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      • #4
        Oooh - and what fiendish things are they gonna get upto around Hull? The Russians are quite capable of doing aireal reconnaisance from civilian aircraft.

        Evidently though we need some new radar or maybe new people to operate them...

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        • #5
          Originally posted by snapper View Post
          Oooh - and what fiendish things are they gonna get upto around Hull? The Russians are quite capable of doing aireal reconnaisance from civilian aircraft.
          Listening to the radio traffic to and from the Tornadoes and Eurofighters and generally reconnaissance of Britain's defences by provocation.
          HD Ready?

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          • #6
            I hope that the US at least informed some of our politicians into their flying a bomber unannounced over our airspace. If not then what the bloody hell were they doing there, they don't have a god given right to go wherever they choose, I know they were probably just doing some test. But there is still the matter of courtesy and the supposed friendship between our countries, (politically), just because we are allies doesn't mean they can go anywhere in our country without at least informing us. (I know this proves they have the capability to, but they should at least be polite and play by our rules in our country)
            Last edited by Shiny Capstar; 02 Oct 08,, 16:26.
            Nulli Secundus
            People always talk of dying for their country, and never of making the other bastard die for his

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            • #7
              Captain,

              The RAF knew all about that flight. The point was that they did not detect it, not because they did not know.

              It's the same thing when your RN and the USN operate in Canadian waters. Common courtesy may be the political answer but the fact is that no one wants to be blown up by friendly fire.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Officer of Engineers View Post
                Captain,

                The RAF knew all about that flight. The point was that they did not detect it, not because they did not know.

                It's the same thing when your RN and the USN operate in Canadian waters. Common courtesy may be the political answer but the fact is that no one wants to be blown up by friendly fire.
                Ah thank you sir, at least we knew, although it does prove that we should improve our air defences. I guess the politicians just say that since they are friendly aircraft this doesn't prove anything, maybe maybe, but it would still be advisable to upgrade our air defences more than a bit.
                Nulli Secundus
                People always talk of dying for their country, and never of making the other bastard die for his

                Comment

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