Forum: General F-16 forum

Hi

Found this story on a Norwegian newspaper today: http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.7809959

Looks like the Norwegian QRA got to take a look an a couple of Blackjacks and Midas'. It would be interesting to see if other countries publish such events, and maybe we could start a thread about scrambles being published in the press?

F-16.net Sponsor

That would be fun.

Fun, but quite normal, although still far below the level it was at during the cold war.

Although not talked about, I am sure there are instances where NATO-aircraft come too close to Russian borders. Yet this only proves that the military does it job as should be. The most interesting stories are from the period of the cold war, most of which are still classified Wink

Hope I'm wrong on this, but don't be surprised to actually see the rate of bomber intercepts pick up over the next 6 months or so. It could be possible in advance of both US elections next year (while the focus is more domestically and fiscally placed) and timed to coincide with the new Russian Presidency and his future course. If so, such strategic demonstrations - after a relative period of normalcy - could once again be part of the show at least for the mid-term. Kind of a 'back and forth', you know, like judo.

Perhaps some sort of a 'we want to renegotiate the terms of the reset' could be part of it too. However, as elections approach, don't be surprised if increased 'strategic' demonstrations are unfortunately picked up a notch for the usual patriotic reasons, as well as an excuse to train. In part, the action is likely directed at NATO (maybe trying to apply pressure on new members too, e.g.), but demonstrations could potentially pay timely visits to Canada, Alaska and perhaps Guam as well... with maybe another visit to the Caribbean, true.

It would just seem natural though, that with the new incoming Ru president various messages and signals might be sent out, possibly as part of a more hawkish diplomatic mission cycle being unfolded and as an agenda prepared for... But one would hope that such a thought would be completely off the charts and that all sides are about to enter into a strengthening period of cooperative intents and policies based on merit and not intimidation. One proposal just for starters; could include a 'Strategic Bomber-Free zone' over international Arctic airspace as a perfect opportunity to reinforce and evolve the reset. Something to consider... Whereby the international Arctic will naturally see maritime patrols conducted by those with regional responsibility, although there are more appropriate aviation platforms for that. IMHO

edit: maybe this is more of an 'air power' forum topic? Cheers

This is quite regular and un-dramatic news here in Norway. I suspect the newspapers call up the air force regularly to get some stories to write about, and the Norwegian air force doesn’t seem to mind a little recruitment PR. The number of scrambles is nothing like during the cold war (hundreds each year), although it is true that the Russian activity has picked up in the last few years.

The Russians actually has big plans for defense spending in their northern region and Murmansk area, and this is something that is being "noticed" right now.

Forum: General F-16 forum

Norwegian QRA Intercept on Russian aircraft