The American forces are not to be fought with they have things that Russia would dream of we all know that the USA have the SR71 also known as the Blackbird which can fly undetected from radar and that's what we know about so imagine what they could have lurking...

Alex, Leeds, UK

To finish off what I was saying:

Either way, what SHOULD happen, is that we should step up our efforts, go after any and all peoples who support terror, and if other countries don't like it, or like how we're doing things, fine, just sit back shut up and watch...but don't interfere. No more sanctions, no more "You better not do that",no more "well we'll just file a resolution on you!!"..what you do is you simply tell the person or persons in charge of the country, (example here) Turn over any and all of the terrorists in your nation, and assist us in hunting down the rest of them from your country...you have 3 days." And the minute the 3rd day is up, if there's no response, or they haven't handed them over, you wipe out there 2nd largest city, then you tell them "Now hand them over, or we'll wip them all out, you have 24 hours." After the 24th hour, if they still refuse to cooperate..then you wipe everything out, once your done, you move onto the next country!!!

Jared, Durant, USA

James from Burney--

You say UK forces are trained to a much higher standard than US forces and then say "we are just outnumbered." That is a big, big "just." The Chinese Navy is already about three times the size of Britain's. The Chinese will soon be able to to sail anywhere in British waters at will. And the Russians now have money to rebuild their navy, and intend to have a strong presence in the Mediterranean.

You say that the British Navy is the only one that can claim to be unbeaten in 300 years. I don't know exactly how you reckon that, because Britain's Navy did suffer some defeats in WWII (remember the Repulse and the Prince of Wales?) although the allies emerged victorious. Recently, Iran took 15 British marines and sailors hostage on the high seas--an act of war. There was no reaction from Britain save servile negotiations with a third-rate country. Sounds like a defeat to me. This would not have happened when Winston Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

For the last fifteen years there has been constant harping about the design of the Eurofighter being an anachronism, an irrelevant hangover from the Cold War Era. And here is that anachronism intercepting Russian Bears just like all its predecessors. Seems the Typhoon was the right plane after all...

Thanks for your amusing contribution, Farrukh of Woking. Schoolyard politics is the only answer to this schoolyard posturing!

Joseph A James, Brisbane, Australia

Ehh, i'm telling you if there are more people like young kirk here(and there are - in vast quantity as opposed to the "normal" people), propaganda shall flourish!!!
russian people are like you,he,she or me..its the politics that will be the death of US..
do you really think terrorists would do their TERRORist stuff if west didnt do what they do best...SEE,BRIBE,EXPLOIT,STEAL,etc. and finally,they are in CONTROL now..but not for long i reckon

Hrvoje, Zagreb, Croatia

Well said brian wildey. So many people dont bother to learn any of our national history. They do seem to forget that we would all be talking german or russian now or indeed depending on the racial characteristics of our parents and grandparents, might not even have been conceived, if it werent for the RAF.

Even if sending a couple of old Bears along is silly posturing, we should still respect the professional response of the RAF for the way they dealt with it.

Disheartened, east end of London,

Murph - why attack French domestic politics in a discussion about international politics, when all you do is prove Jean's point that the US thinks allies are its minions and can't handle it if they disagree with it? The US has attacked France in an incredibly aggressive, bullying and unfair way, even though all of Chirac's warnings turned out to be right on the button. He also didn't say 'wait and see' at all so you are completely putting words in his mouth, he said that Nato countries who didn't follow the UK/US (in Kirk's post below) were on the side of the law, which they were.

An American twisting the truth to suit his argument...now where have I heard that before?

And while I'm at it maybe the US can stop its aggressive and insulting attitude to the French now, it's old hat and undignified for a country that supposedly believes in free speech.

Alison, London,

Do you really think that Russia is really interested in a new cold war? In my opinion, it's chest pounding and a bit of sabre rattling. First, Russia is far from matching the former Soviet Union by all accounts. Second, how can they launch an attack on the West if the Russian elite, including V. Putin himself and his closest aides, keep their money there?

Eli, Taipei,

@ Jay (Continued)

I should have added why we are the standard to be measured by. I do believe we are the only navy in the world that can claim to be unbeaten in the last 300 years, as well as having had the largest empire of the modern world, until we relinquished it.

James, Burnley, England

"it was the first time that Russian bombers had threatened to penetrate British airspace since President Putin indicated, with no little _chutzpah_, that he had ordered his air force to resume long-range patrols around the world. "

According to the author to bomb Belgrad and Bagdad is a gentleman's behaviour, and to fly in _neutral_ air space - chutzpah?

"The tough new stance was illustrated somewhat graphically by pictures of Mr Putin fishing topless that had been released during the week. "

Putin topless it so is terrible?

It is necessary to give idea to our Air Forces - to paste this photo on Tu-95

Dim, Moscow, Russia

Hee Hee. H. Grattan from South Africa--

How perceptive you are that we in the United States are so terribly dangerous. And the corrollary is obvisously that friend Vladimir must not be dangerous. What a grasp of international politics you do have!

Well, instead of scrambling fighters against the Russian bombers, why doesn't Britain appoint Mr. Malloch Brown tp use the approach that seems so popular in the Western European countries. Use "soft power" and "engagement." I'm sure friend Vladimir will respond positively to this. Scrambling fighters seems so...forceful, I guess. And we all know that the sophisticates running European coutnries are beyond all that.

Gracious, scrambling fighters sounds like something the dangerous Americans would do!

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, S.C. / USA

US made great money on the second world war the beginning of which was sponsored by its security services (review history and activities of Allen Dulles in that period!). Europe and USSR made a great violent deaths and declines! Those who fight finally lose in any case, only those who are outside the battle win. History has a feature to repeat. Do not make mistakes this time.

Mike, Moscow,

Does no-one think that the russians may have just got lost? Old equipment and all that !! Seriously though, if they were trying to scare us or do something other than fly around near our airspace surely they wouldn't have been so obvious about it...

Jay, Chesterfield,

This is pathetic. You all talk of war games and an impending conflict. Britain should just let the russians be. If they want to be immature then let them. If this happens again we should just leave them alone and see what they do. If they want a conflict i am sure that they will get one; but this is very doubtful. I do agrree that this is just a good oppurtunity to test the reaction times of our new squadrons.
As for blaming anglo-american forces for all the problems in the world, it is utter nonsense. We aren't the ones who decided people should automatically start blowing themselves to pieces. And in terms of Afghanistan, the people there are greatful for our help, it is only the terrorist Taliban forces that are fighting. In Iraq, most people are happy for us to be there, again it is only radical groups that are fighting. Countries like France should have provided more troops for the coalitions and then maybe we wouldn't have all these problems. They cant just blames us.

Damien, Barrow-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire

excellent photo--just one query--where are the uk markings on the RAF Typhoon.???

r.vaucher, leith, australia

Cool, Bears flying over UK airspace - very reminicent of the 80's when they used to pop over on the way to Iceland. I like how everyone is using the word 'bomber' to scare people, these planes are normally used as recee missions and aren't any real threat to us. If they really wanted to scare us it would have been a Blackjack or Backfire they flew over!

Penske666, Worksop, Notts

1. The NATO border Russia and UE with the help of planes F-15 (or other second-hand articles) constantly patrols. You heard, what Russian arrange noise from this when your fighters meet planes MiG-29? I think is not present.
2. "Bear", is a bomber. But he does not throw a bomb. Cruise missiles X555. of 5-10 rockets with a nuclear warhead. A distance of action 2500-3000km.
The bear will simply shoot these rockets on the military purposes in Britain. And to turn back on territory of Russia. When your interceptors cannot reach him{it} at all. Radius of interception of a plane - interceptor 700km. So silly to speak that "bear" it is the old plane. Does not matter when the design has been let out{has been released}. If this bomber has defeat of distant fight over the modern nuclear weapon. It is the plane of the first impact. Sorry i have bad english

Alex, Ekb,

With Russia cutting off gas supplies to Eastern European countries, talking with Syria about establishing bases in Syria for his Black Sea fleet, and now his bombers resuming combat patrols around the world, it makes me wonder what he is really up to. He is a former KGB officer, and I don't trust the KGB. If Putin wrangles a deal with Syria to put naval bases there is Turkey going to allow the Russian fleet to transit Turkish waters? Putin also wants to build more submarines and surface ships. He wants to put his military back on the same par as the military during the Cold War. If he activates his missile squadrons the world could be in serious trouble. And with Bin Laden still on the loose with the possibility of causing hate and discontent everywhere, things could get rather serious. Perhaps Bin Laden is letting Putin play into his hands. Hmmm?

David Richardson, Vacaville, CA/USA

Jean from France,
You are here today & have the right to free speech, movement, religion, etc. because of not despite America & the UK in an overt military sense (WWI,II & russia) & financial /political lead(ironic given the US is what it is cause of the UK & France). Chirac opposed the war cause he had his own oil deals building nuc plants etc.with iraq (often forgotten). Wake up & realise that the threat from islamism is a greater fascists ideology far worse than anything GB & his right wing christians will ever do. Can you imagine a world where an unelected bishop ran a militia. M Luther & HenryVIII helped stop the abuse of religion for political power. Time to wake up & 'help' these fascist grow up into 21stC & not the15thC. Trouble is people like you are so blinded by you antiamericanism you cant see the forest for the trees. You clearly havent been to parisian suburbia lately. When you oppose fascism or communisim one must do it totally, poltically, financially & militarily

peter, london,

Since the end of the cold war the West has reneged on every deal it has made with Russia; NATO and its allies are standing on its door step to the West and then of course there are the various CIA funded multicolour revolutions.

Bush has ditched the arms control treaties and has shown that the only form of international law the US recognises is the form that it administers itself, through military means if necessary.

What would you do if you were in Russia's shoes ???

People need to get real, what is happening in Russia is a direct result of Western interference and arrogance.

Nick Brajkovich, Warrington, Cheshire

During the cold war this happened a lot; with scandal's and cries of "imminent doom" sounding out virtually every week. Despite cries of "we're all doomed", no confilct ever broke out and there is no reason it should now.

These bombers showed bully boy tactics comparable with "knock down ginger". The RAF will always be there to see them off.

The only thing that could be gained by an actual Russian strike would be global warfare. Who can afford that?

Peter Hull, Colchester, UK/Essex

@ Jay
The UK forces are trained to a much higher standard than the yanks, which is why we are 'the' standard we are just out numbered due to our small size.
However what we won't do is join the EU, why as it is leech off of our military force, as well as wanted to constrain our own control over our laws. So if you'd like to comment on the EU, which you clearly know nothing about, go do it on some stupid yank site where no one else knows what they are talking about either.

Also if anyone should step down from the UN it is the US, who of late have caused more security risks to the world economy, than any other state, and furthermore you didn't give a valid reason why we should step down, or any example of what we have blamed on the US in the last 200 years.
Just one more think Jay, remember who your parents are and who you owe for the country that you live in, which I think you will find is us (that is unless you are a native american which is unlikely to say the least!)

James, Burnley, England

To Ed from London

"Russia has been asset stripped by criminals who have fled to London and laundered the money through property and sporting pursuits. I really don't think Russia poses a tangible threat to the West. "

Ed, London

So, why do the British authorities let Russian criminals such as Berezovskiy, Zakaev and many others laundering money and even protect them from Russian prosecution?

Will somebody tell what could be the best worlds system ? When America as "the best genuine democracy" in the world acts like a world policemen, ignoring international law?
Everybody here blame Mr. Putin because he restarted Russian Air Force flights. You think - "How could he dare?". At the same time US flights almost all over the world are OK.
If you would visit Russia, you'll understand that NOBODY here wants to restart ne Cold War.

Kirill, Vladivostok,, Russia.

Britian should accept full statehood in the E.U.. Relinquish its seat on the U.N. National Security Council and rely on member states for their diplomacy and security. At least then the British could save their collective breaths on blaming the U.S. for every ill that has occured in the world for the last 200 years. Julie in Houston ( You must be joking, Britian is the standard to be measured by!!!???!)

Jay, Dixie, Dixie, S.C.

Murph, when you propose 'a few recon flights', you don't mean using some of those Black Hawks, like the one that 'experienced a mechanical malfunction' in northern Iraq, eh?
When in comes to strategic forces, like Bears-H or its counterparts - interceptor missiles, I'd consider all weapons are 'PURELY defensive' because of the MAD concept. And as for the interceptors, have a look on new S-400 Triumph system, and note that russians do not plan to place them somewhere in Cuba or Venezuela.

Michael, Moscow, Russia

Folks talk of a match as if one could survive the other's fury. Russia's posturing is in itself testimony of Western arrogance that understands peace as a form of weakness and even defencelessness as a means to conquer. Russia have vigorously been encroached on verbally terrorise and maligned by NATO countries and the hypocrisies of the west have no limit. There's nothing cold about this perceived war Russia thus the strength of one over the other is not about an ideological stand off its purely survival. This time it is about real defence and Putin understands this perfectly well. What the West have not taken seriously is that NATO expansion will lead to eastern and Southern proliferation with a far more sustain and determination that can marginalise the West and cancel all its good will 'if there was ever any' indefinitely. Open hypocrisy by Western policies over the years have never been more glaring and for IT to have challenged Russia in its time of transition is mistakable.

Davy de Verteuil, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Wow!

Cold War! Muscle-flexing! You're just afraid russian bears :)
Bears here still alive, and still have their sharpened claws. Just sit down, relax and watch the show!

Vasily, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

RF is merely following the old rule:
"if you want peace, be ready for a war!"

In fact most russians (me also) were thinking that the world has become wiser over the centuries of using this kind of rules.
However, we have seen that next day as SU has declared that we don't want this anymore, everybody has decied "oh, we've won!" and stepped themselfs in a queue to bite smth from SU and later from Russia or other republics.
If international laws, courts, media would work at least half-fair to Russia we would pefer to spent every ruble for ecomomy and social. However, in last 15 years we have learned that we were naive to think so.

Dmitry, Juelich, Germany

@Peter, Portsmouth

I'm afraid you are wrong. How do you force a bomber to land? It would be shot down before it reached the capital it would be shot down within miles of entering our airspace.

And to all you people saying that scrambling jets is childish, lets see if you think that when we get bombed, plus these jets need flying regularly anyway so why not when shadowing enemy forces?

James, Burnley, England

It's the Nimitz class subs China is ordering that the world should really be worried about. With them and the new generation of Diesel Electrics which can run "silent" they will retake Taiwan and there won'tbe a thing a US CVBG can do about it because they wouldn't risk a Nimitz/Ford class carrier being sunk. If the Chinese and Russians team up and start supporting Iran then that's when there will be real issues. However, this posturing also helps Britain achieve the long term measure by which our Armed Forces are always measured by - could we retake the Falklands Islands if needs be? When the new UK CVF Royal Navy aircraft carriers come into play in 2012 and 2015 along with the Typhoons, then we'll be ready with hardware. Let's just ensure we keep supporting/recruiting the personnel now....

Michael, London, UK

Yet another show delivered by Russian AF - it just shows in how bad a state it is. They lack basically everything. And those lone Bear missions are meaningless. Apart from training their aircrews in navigation of course. For real testing they have other (and much faster) planes than this silly obsolete flying museum.
It just shows how much Russians have to do with their armed forces - equipped with old stuff, not capable to pose real threat yet. However, taking oil prices and revenues from sales into account, we must be aware that it might change. We saw recently (new ICBMs for example) that Mr. Putin certainly would like to restore Russia with old world superpower status. Taking into consideration how much time they have lost, this won't happen any time soon.

Michal, London,

Of course if Mr Putin does revive Russia's "once mighty aircraft industry" he might find one big difference from the cold war days - its called an election! Kruschev and Brezhnev never had to worry about those.
And if we really want to join in the one-upmanship game, then meet the next Bear with out Battle of Britain flight Lancaster and Spitfires. We can keep war relics flying better than them anyday - so there!

KR, Stockport,

No one questions Russian achievements in putting the first man in space or at the bottom of the ocean. People are simply disappointed that there was no broader Russian follow up.

Cato, los angeles, CA

russian is not even trying to intimidate the UK / USA...the latter are getting tickled all the time !

shripad, normanton,

Notice how this occured last Friday, yet the news broke to the public only yesterday (Tuesday)? The MoD have retained information for nearly 4 days. I have a strange suspicion this isn't an oddity, for all we know this could be going on regulary basis but only because of the Litvinenko disaster we have begun airing this type of "bad news about Russia" to the public as propaganda.
I have very strong beliefs in the UK Defence, they are very powerful and need not to be threatened by any other country (bar US). We have very strong allies with incredible Military strength such as the USA and India. Russia are just trying to test the response of the UK's defence, which is a good thing as we know it is working. But I still come over with a strong suspicion that this wasn't the 1st experience since the Cold War and it certainly won't be the last.
The fact that they also used the new Typhoons just adds to the suspicion that they only publicised this "event" just to show them off.

Swishi, Edgware,

Britain did everything possible to offend Russia in last 12 months. Just remember the facts:
- Baseless accusations in Russia's involvement in Litvinenko affair. No proof has ever been provided, no documents provided to Russian authorities, but the blame was quickly put on Putin.
- "Berezovsky assasin" affair. No proof was ever provided, not even name of the suspect or his nationality was ever revealed. The blame was put on Russia.
-Demands to change Russian constitution. No country in the world will accept such demand from another country without a war.
-Expultion of four Russian diplomats. No country will tolerate such offence and will react accordingly.
It looks like that UK has forgotten that it deals with one of the major powers and now Russia sends a little reminder over. And of course this is a message to US that Russia is not Iraq and a force to be reconed with. I suggest getting used to it or start treating Russia as you would treat yourself.

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

Seems that Russia hasn't learnt her lesson yet. Instead of sabre rattling with antiquated and or poorly serviced hardware some greater benefit might be enjoyed if they spent time developing their national infrastructure and modernising their economy.

On another point its not surprising that the left have (as usual) concluded that "its all our fault". That's entirely to be expected. If Russia was solely concerned with defence she already has a counterweight through her ballistic missile carrying submarines in the Atlantic (of which about 12 remain in service). The patrolling over the Northern ice cap and into the Atlantic and Pacific is something else - it is an entirely aggressive move.

H, London,

I think the USA and Britain fail to understand the strength of Russia.
Firstly it is financially well off with oil, gas and large mineral resources largely untapped as yet.
It is the largest country in the World.
Oil used to be US$20 a barrel only five years ago, now it it US$70 a barrel. Therefore over three times the revenue for the same costs of extraction.
It can therefore now afford to spend large quantities of surplus revenue on its military expansion.
USA and Britain are wasting there time, resources and money fighting Afganistan and Iraq, a lost war. Russia were fighting Afganistan for 10 years and could not win and were strategically next door; so USA and Britain do not stand are chance.
Russia sits there laughing at the USA trying to bully countires (Iran, Korea, Palestine, China etc. ) at a financial cost. Those countries then buy arms/nuclear technology from Russia and due to world unrest makes the price of oil go up. The result is more revenue to Russia.

Johny, Watford, England

Instead of escalating spending on military hardware, the West should pour all available effort into finding a feasible alternative to fossil fuels. Apart from the side-benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it would, at a stroke, eliminate the financial underpinning of most of the troublesome states worldwide. After all, what have Russia, the Middle East and the emerging communist (sorry "socialist") South American states got that the world wants, other than oil & gas? Without oil & gas revenue, they would revert to what their political systems represent - failed states relying on international handouts just to feed their people.

Bob Finbow, Haverhill, England

1. The NATO border Russia and UE with the help of planes F-15 (or other second-hand articles) constantly patrols. You heard, what Russian arrange noise from this when your fighters meet planes MiG-29? I think is not present.
2. "Bear", is a bomber. But he does not throw a bomb. Cruise missiles X555. of 5-10 rockets with a nuclear warhead. A distance of action 2500-3000km.
The bear will simply shoot these rockets on the military purposes in Britain. And to turn back on territory of Russia. When your interceptors cannot reach him{it} at all. Radius of interception of a plane - interceptor 700km. So silly to speak that "bear" it is the old plane. Does not matter when the design has been let out{has been released}. If this bomber has defeat of distant fight over the modern nuclear weapon. It is the plane of the first impact.
Sorry i have bad english.

Alex, Ekb,

Russian "tired bears" are not dangerous for UK, indeed. These flights is good practice for russian bomber pilots and, by the way, for british fighter pilots too. But words like "President Putin indicated, with no little chutzpah, that he had ordered his air force to resume long-range patrols around the world." clearly shows that british regime is misappropriates all rights to be the Main Common World Truth. Why U.S. aircrafts can fly around Russia but russian can't? Present situation in the world obliges russians to be to be on the alert. Yugoslavia and Iraq was attacked under false pretenses, who is the next? Current media war against Russia and NATO progress to the East very revealing indices. It is seems to me, if REAL U.S. government would not stop their claims to World Domination, we all can't avoid WWIII... And this war will not be easy, like shemefull wars against Serbia and Iraq. All armchair warriors will damp their jingoism.

Andrey, Borisoglebsk, Russia

To Fred From Calder-Smith,

Apparently you can't read: Murph was talking about Muslim uprisings in FRANCE, not the UK. That's why he starts off by saying "To Jean of Metz."

And to Fernando of Madrid,

I'm not sure where exactly you get your information from my friend, but it's completely wrong. Who said the B-52 is the workhorse of the USAF? Sure, this bomber is used every now and then; but only in situations where there is no threat of enemy fire. And why would the US spend billions upon billions of dollars on stealth fighters and bombers (i.e. the B-1, B-2, F-117, F-35, F/A-22, and possibly FB-22 and FB-23?) , only to use outdated technology? The main bomber of today's USAF in Iraq and Afghanistan is the B-1B Lancet. But in today's internet-world, don't take my word for it...just google it.

Cash, Dayton, USA

Bring back Maggie and Ronnie, they said how it was, and stood up to soviet bullies.

Putin is looking for trouble, and flexing his muscles. He is heavily rearming his forces, bullying the former eastern block, by cutting off gas supplies. It will soon be us in the UK who he bulies with gas supplies.

Putin is not interested in international law. Why not have an accident, by shooting down one of their bombers. What is he going to do ? murder a few more dissadents ? Bush should go ahread and put his missle system in Europe, if those countries are happy to host them. It is always imperative to stand up to bullies, especially if we in the west want to keep our lifestyles.

Bing, Malden, UK

So, yeah, and (from a 20-year-old's point of view) what's the purpose of these flights? Hasn't the 'Cold War' ended? This is just straight-forward primitive 'tribal' human behaviour with big toy planes and macho posturing!

zoe sevigny, liverpool, the-UNITED-kingdom

I trust John Le Carre is making a note of all these activities.

Rodney Barker, Gainsborough, England U.K.

Britain is trying to punch above it's on weight. Britain has only survived due to numerous alliances. Once the american empire collapses because of AIPAC britian had better become buddies with it's real neighbours on the Continent

greg, charleroi, belgium

Don't worry about the military hardware, just worry about the natural resources that Russia is able to bring on line. All of our nice new shiney Gas Powered power statuions are going to be pretty reliant upon Russian gas within the next 20 years. The next stage in this is Economic strength - question will the capitalists resist the chance of huge profits helping the Russian further develop their resources or will they hold back, cowed by their own industrial military complex led government. Any chance of a pipieline from the USA?

John, London, Uk

The posturing from Britain and America is simply pathetic.
Russia,the first country to put a man in space,has as much right to arms production as any other country.
If we are to criticise Russia then we must criticise America.
So they send bombers to have a look at us,big deal.
If anything we should be worried that its actually a pact between leaders to boost the armaments industries the world over or even preparedness for all to come to Taiwan's aid when the Chinese finally decide to reclaim that territory.
The duplicity of politicians is never ending

Michael Wilkinson, Telford, UK

It's always interesting and sometimes amusing to read the varied comments indicating opinions of some individuals that are less informed. The Russians, Chinese, Indians, Iranians, Syrians, Egyptians, Germans and the French have said one thing clearly after the Iraq invasion and the quagmire that ensued "We now know the limits of American and British military power. We know that we can operate just outside the reach of the solitary super power's military and that of its cohort, Great Britain". This statement has been made over and over again. Now the Russians are taking things to the next level. Putin has also promised to revamp his Navy. Once again Rumsefeld, Cheney, Bush and Blair have done our nations a dis-service by invading Iraq without an appropriate exit strategy.

Niwa Sofola, Atlanta, GA. USA

The Russians will do anything to undermine the European alliance with the US. They have done quite well. The poodle has always been barking to its own drum and many Germs are apparently on the payroll as well. To those who speak of vassaldom to the US, perhaps you should look at what vassaldom to Russia looks like - you may want to consult with the Chechens.

Delenda, merced, CA

This isn't just about the basing of theater-defense missiles in Eastern Europe, this is about reversing a 20 year process of increasing marginalization of Russian interests. The Russians are tired of what they view as the intrusion of the West into their sphere of strategic interests - the Baltic States, Bielorussia, the Ukraine, the Central Asian Republics - in short, in the former Soviet Union. There isn't much they can do about it, but that doesn't mean that they're going to take it sitting down.

Putin is taking advantage of the US strategic overstretch in Iraq and Afghanistan to play at a little brinkmanship. He pressures Europe with gas cut-offs and displays of air power. He sends Bears down the US East Coast and to Guam. A Russian aircraft "accidently" shoots a dud missile into Georgia. All this is meant to demonstrate to the West, and to Russians, that Russia means to be taken seriously again as a world power.

Fernando, Madrid, Spain

From my time in business near RAF Coningsby I was vaguely aware of cunning defence tricks operated by the base. A new one is the Times map indicating the base is somewhat south west of reality. That will fool the Russians!

Jeff, London,

Putin needs to be taken seriously. I have been living in Russia for 16 years and have seen many changes. The rise of the national socialist movement, which appears to be supported by Putin, is very serious. Racism and Nationalism is huge here.
There is no longer any free press in Russia. It is all owned or controlled by Putin or his friends. Journalists regularly get killed if they say something against the leadership.
Big foreign businesses are being squeezed out in favour of Russian companies with influence in the Kremlin, even after the investment of millions, if not billions of dollars.
The big mafia groups all have contacts within the authorities and do what they want. They own the police.
This is not a nice place to be anymore.

Mkhail, Moscow, Russia

There are a few options here:

1. Russia is really seeking a new weapons race. Despite being able to fund the "game" through oil and gas, they will never prevail. Forget about the planes, ships and tanks. Without a very costly infrastructure which does not exist, nothing will materialize. They will go bankrupt in a few decades. "Friends" in China are dependant on western investment so also nothing will happen there.

2. Putin is doing what he must in response to the diplomatic crisis. A heap of hot air - will be forgotten in a few weeks.

3. The west (hereunder Britain) looks to increase budget spending on defenses. Putin already has. What better way to create an "escalation" and thereby frighten the public. Brown will not spend months in parliament arguing his business case.

Regardless - we need to be proud of Britain and its armed forces around the world. Nobody does it better. Keep up the good work gents.

Martin, Birkenhead, Merseyside, UK

An unfortunate alarmist article which appears to have unecessarily "spooked" readers, especially those from USA.
These Russian sorties were historically flown just to see what the respose time of UK air defence was. The respective aircrew exchanged waves upon interception and both sides took photos. There is no hostile intent, in the sense of an intended bomb release, and certainly if there were, the threat wouldn't come from aircraft as antique as the venerable "Bear"!
The motives for the resumption of such sorties is very likely two-fold. Firstly to remind the West that Russia stil has an active military capability and secondly to obtain photos and observe the RAF's new Typhoon fighter in action.
Don't worry, there has been a hiccup in British/Russian relations but the apocalypse is not upon us!

Andrew Hunt, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Yes, the Bear is an old bomber - but it can still carry a substantial conventional or even a nuke. How close would you let a threat get before letting it know you won't allow the fox in the hen house.

Jim K, Saginaw,

"British army is falling apart, they are taking a tremendous kick in Iraq and Afghanistan. Going home without any slice of glory. They were defeated.

Charles, Seville, Spain"

This is not a win or lose situation. There is no glory to be had. We are simply being proactive against radical islam. This is of course unlike the Spanish who changed their government as a result of the Madrid bombings. Now that is taking a "tremendous kick". Going down without even a fight and having your lives dictated to by terrorists.
As for Putin, this is simply posturing before he leaves office. He hasn't achieved anything in his time in power other than eradicate ( KGB style ) critics. Russia has been asset stripped by criminals who have fled to London and laundered the money through property and sporting pursuits. I really don't think Russia poses a tangible threat to the West.

Ed, London,

on an entirely different note, I had to laugh at the comment about putting fighter planes on 24 hour alert to defend against a september 11th style attack. Great news! Fat lot of good 'round the clock' interceptor aircraft did the US on that day.

Jim Wilson, vancouver, bc, canada

Neither Britain nor anyone else should take threats against their sovereignty lightly. These "incidents" have a way of growing and getting out of hand. Left to his own devices, Mr. Putin would push and prod his way to the Oder and re-establish Russian hegemony over the territories of the old Soviet Union. If you're skeptical, ask the Poles or the Georgians what they think of recent Russian actions towards their countries.

Like it or not, Western countries must stick together -- yes that means that the US and France should cooperate!! -- because we are all in favor of the rule of law and increased global security (yes again, Bush has been a disaster, but let's be generous and chalk him up as a "maverick" US President rather than the norm). In any case, Russia does not yet want to play by these rules and is far more interested in re-establishing their super-power credentials than in increasing world security.

Fernando, Madrid, Spain

One thing we should not forget is Russian Oil - They are in the money big style - Their armed forces will expand rapidly I have no doubt - I was in Russia three weeks ago and in the seven years from my last visit the change is astounding. We might well be reliant on oil from Russia in the future and that will be bad news.

John Lister, Jersey, Channel Islands

Believe me, nobody in Russia wants to go and fight the UK or the US, send bombers, do carpet bombing, nuke each other, etc. What you have see is just the routing military patrol, first in 15 years, so why bother? Business is growing, people gradually becoming more prosperous, etc. You come to Moscow or St-Pete and see for yourself how many foreigners there are here. We, Russians, also travel a lot and see what’s good and what’s bad with the West. Of course there is always a black sheep by whom the whole nation can be judged as drank and aggressive pack. But it does not reflect the true situation. Yes, there are challenges within the country. But no reasonable person in modern Russia is keen to go back to USSR, Cold War, whatever one may call it.

P.S. I have a feeling that ordinary people in the UK don`t have much to know about UK politics towards Russia and vise versa. All we know about each other is taken from newspaper columns, and who are the columnists?

Comrad Che, Moscow, Russia

Not to worry, the U.S. is on a downward slide. A nation that cannot face the facts, and admit that it no longer is numero uno is destined to disappear. That has been proven thruout history, except the ones in power never ever want to admit to it.
All those hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars that were wasted on a war could have for one helped the victims of Katrina with plenty to spare. But as always, playing war is no big deal as long as the powers that be are not affected by it. They are never wounded, or killed, they live the good live. president Bush is still in denial, reminds me of Hitler. What goes around comes around

Fred, Mexico City, Mexico

It's a tragedy that the Russian government is proposing to spend millions upgrading military aviation at a time when (in spite of billions accrued in oil revenue) the great majority of Russians live in abject squalor.

Tim, Moscow, Russian Federation

How pathetic Russia has become if it can only threaten wilth a post 2nd WW relic such as the Tupolev Tu 95(Bear H). The Tupolev Tu 95 is of a technology somewhere between an Avro Lancaster and an Avro Vulcan. The Vulcan, long out of service, was last used operationally 25 years ago against the Argentine aggressors in the Falklands.

However the Tu 95 which even looks like a 2nd WW bomber with, a Lancaster style, tail gun turret can be equipped with nuclear tipped cruise missiles. For this reason they should be turned back long before they reach effective range.

Denver Watt, Osaka, Japan

Read or re-read "Mig Pilot" written by a pilot who barely made it to the West (Japan) in his Mig to defect. His account of the USSR's state of the art military equipment and competent personnel to use and maintain them, was incredibly negative.
The State of Russia is not a rival for the UK's or USA's military technology. All Mr. Putin is doing is risking an accidental encounter or, perhaps, another defection. Someone send him a set of toy airplanes to play with so he cansatisfy his mixed up psyche. BTW, has he checked his budget lately for money to conduct his little airshows?

Charles Barney, East Amherst, New York USA

These bombers flying over neighbouring countries used to be common in the past and americans and bristish know.There is nothing to fear about them as russians are not fools to drop bombs.Its just a muscle power exercise to see how alert the RAF is! And neverthless Russia having the largets nuclear arsenal in world(combined USA+EU+China) cant be countered. And being a ex-superpower they know the limits of using it unlike the americans.The newspaper should stop the propaganda of misguiding public that they are resorting to old cold war stlye.
As far as the RAF can counter and wave a snarl at the russian bear bombers they need not worry.In fact even its a little excitement for RAF since they have been idle without action.

Pranab Kumar, London, UK

Indeed it is strange that the Russians are back. But what will happen when the Chinese too will do power demonstrations? The bipolar world has turned to a multi-polar one, and not everybody likes that. The mix of interests and power means that older powers may wish to create tensions to regain their lost influence in the ever-changing world. Now would be the highest time to rebuild the UN with effective powers to stop all regional conflicts and through effective negotiations and respect, sustain this multi-polar world. Otherwise wars will break out, as politicians realize that simpler solutions to problems are easier to sell than the difficult compromise. We ought to realize by now that the world belongs to all living on it and not to individual politicians or nations. If this realization does not happen soon, mark my words: World war will be inevitable very soon.

Skywalker, Budapest, Hungary

Well the world should get very interesting again now. Something else to read about apart from Big Brother

Red Dingo, Mitcham, UK

How quaint. Propellor driven bombers. Kind of brings back the Dam Busters.

Duncan, Aberdeen,

As I know US never stops flights of its bombers all over the world. Why do not to talk about this? I agree with Murph that "This is all in response to the U.S. basing interceptor missles in Eastern Europe", the purposes of which are not very clear, because Russia offers its interceptor bases to use for defense of Europe at any time...

In current world it's really stupid to try to intimidate someone by such flights.

back on topic of 'Georgian bombing' earlier, our experts after reviewing facts say that jets were brought to the potatoes fields by ground. and I incline to this version as it has much more common sense

Mike, Moscow,

Sorry Murph, but I think it would be excessive to call the recent riots in France insurrections (a few hundred kids burning their parents cars doesnt qualify), and wrong to qualify them as muslim: no religious message was ever sent out by the unorganised delinquants...

And Kirk, as far as I can remember France, Germany as well as a few other European countries participated in the Afghan operation, and still have troops on the ground, if in limited numbers...

Thomas, London,

As usual, military commanders are a little out of tune. An old Russian bomber (I forgot the delivery date of the Bear-H, but it is a plane coming out of the eighties) approaches UK. What you do ? You send the new last-generation Typhoon fighters to get a closer look. The Russian specialists have been delighted - they had the occasion to check the behaviour and the electronics of the latests NATO products. What do you get ? How many blades a turbo-prop engine has.
Hopefully you did better.

Roberto Nenzi, Roma, Italy

To Murph in Madville: we did not have "two major Muslim uprisings" in the UK. We had a few loonies playing with bombs. Many more people get killed on the roads without so much fuss: let's not get hysterical. We survived a lot worse with the IRA. Remember Tim McVeigh? He too managed to kill plenty more without being Muslim so let's keep things in perspective and not go off on a tangent invading other people's countries for no good reason

Fred Calder-Smith, Twickenham, UK

Murph -

The Bear is the same age as the B-52, which is still the workhorse of USAF strategic bombers. I wouldn't laugh at any aircraft with a 15.000km range and capable of carrying multiple KH-55 nuclear-tipped ALCM's with another 3.000km range.

Fernando, Madrid, Spain

Farrukh, the RAF responded in the standard way set out for such scenarios by the Government. If you have an issue it, take it up with your MP, not the RAF pilots who were following very precise orders.

Katherine, Oxford, UK

British army is falling apart, they are taking a tremendous kick in Iraq and Afghanistan. Going home without any slice of glory. They were defeated.

Charles, Seville, Spain

The Russian military is a complete and utter shambles and poses little or no threat to us in Britain. If they want to fly their antiquated scrap heaps towards our airspace, let them, it gives us a chance to show them how far advanced our military is compared to theirs.

The Russian government (and Putin in particular) needs to wake up and realise that the cold war is over, Russia can't match the west's military anymore and their childish posturing just makes them look extremely silly.

James Roberts, Manchester, UK

makes a change from jihadists

M Martin, Granada, Spain

whilst it's nice for our boys to get some quality semi-serious training flying their new toys, I can't help thinking the correct response would have been to scramble a couple of old planes full of tourists with cameras who could have laughed and pointed at russia's military equivalent of a drunk, fat old man stumbling around in the dark. there was absolutely zero chance of these bears bombing britain.

I'm a little more concerned with putin saying an aim is for russia to lead world arms production. given that they won't actually be using these arms themselves, they will simply end up in the hands of the sort of mad radical who may well use them. it would be better if the russian economy were not built on sales of military hardware to idiots. then again, I still blame the french for the falklands.

jem, london , uk

if it refused to be deterred from its course by other means - be instantly transformed from an aircraft into a vast and bright orange ball of flame and its image on radar screens would vanish.

Donald Smith, London, UK#
---

No, the British would force the craft to land. Then the British ambassador in Moscow would most likely "submit an official complaint". All rather tame. Even tamer with the non-existant military for Britain

Peter, Portsmouth,

If you read the Norwegian newspapers you will find that 17 Russian aircraft penetrated NATO patrolled airspace, with at least 4 going into the area patrolled by the RAF. The Norwegians launched their F16 equivalent of QRA to intercept all their guests and took some great photographs of Bears, Backfires, Blackjacks, Foxhounds, Midas and Mainstay.

J Simpkin, Aberdeen,

This is all posturing from all sides. The Russians are not the force they were, whatever they may believe. My understanding is that Putin has a fixed term as president which is coming to an end. Could he be looking to his legacy??

Rob, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Jean of Metz...Not quite sure what your point is unless you believe I'm having a go at the French..Why would I...you only want to be in NATO when it suits you anyway. Like your position in the EEC you only want the nice bits..and when it comes to standing up, you lie down.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

Becareful , We are fighting a war on 2 fronts already! read your history books people.. and all you people sat in your armchairs thinking you have nothing to fear from Mr Putin are Wrong, adding Russia to the world problems is not a good idea right now, however i am not too concerned about Russia probing the skies, after all WE DO and so does AMERICA !!! it's their right as much as ours, BUT I URGE THE PRESS TO STOP USING TERMS LIKE COLD WAR < YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SPREAD BAD PROPAGANDA WHICH CAN INITIATE TROUBLE BEYOND REPAIR

lee harrison, leeds, uk

The developments are political posturing. The problems our politicians (when they grow up and stop acting like spoilt children) is that the US is a dangerous basket to put all our eggs into. Likewise the russians are also dangerous. The only way to play this game is to ensure the US are restricted as much as the russians and that both sides feel they are on equal footing while building true GLOBAL defenses against any attack from anyone.

The Most likely problem areas are the middle east, China, US and Russia... If the mopst likely problem was Europe, Russians wouldn't be flying bombers anywhere near our airspace..

Al, London, UK

@Ben from Peterborough

The Russians can't fly over London or get anywhere near the capital, that's the whole point of scrambling fighters when foreign bombers approach UK airspace. If a Russian bomber entered UK airspace and made for London, it would - if it refused to be deterred from its course by other means - be instantly transformed from an aircraft into a vast and bright orange ball of flame and its image on radar screens would vanish.

Donald Smith, London, UK

This is all in response to the U.S. basing interceptor missles in Eastern Europe. Putin doesn't like it. I can't say as I blame him. He has to address the concerns of his still politcally strong military leaders who are charged with the security of their country even though the missles in question are PURELY defensive. Oh well...thats what happens when your one time allies see the light and don't think your the Mac Daddy anymore. Anyway, flying a tired Bear over the north sea isn't exactly a quantum leap in military technology. If you want to send a message back. Let NATO resume a few recon flights around Russia. Then Putin could see how many blown fuses at defunct radars he has to replace and he'll think twice about the expense of system upgrades as opposed to letting a few U.S. defensive missles sit idle and rusting in Poland.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

To Jean of Metz. Honestly I've never heard "lets sit on the fence and see what happens in the name of international right" more elegantly put then in your words here. You've had two major Muslim uprisings within your own country yet you still point the finger at Anglo Americans as the cause for this worldwide problem. I don't know about France, but as for here if people are working and have a little spending money in there pocket they're a whole lot less inclined to be pissed off at the government let alone burn the homes and cars of there neighbors. Case in point Detroit. A Muslim populated area I'd daresay that far outnumbers yours. Other than non-Muslim riots there on halloween night a few years back. You don't see any Muslim civil insurrection. I really think you should look at your own domestic problems before you take shots at international ones. Didn't mean to dump on you Jean...to much...I really wanted to comment on the intercept. I'll have to make another post here.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

We have been getting bombarded with the 'news' that commercial flying is huge contributer to global warning: how about an international treaty to ban silly posturing by militay aircraft?

Jim, Nizwa, Oman,

Imagine the sceaming, eye-bulging terror and panic that would hit US streets if Bears were nearing US air space. I know because I live here and most people closeted in their stupid gated communities are afraid of their own shadows.

Think about it, Scott, from Durham, NC.

Phil, Phoenix, AZ

The cold war is being revived. In Europe Russia arousing Britain and in America Mr.Chavez from Venezuela doing the same with the U.S. And it is very known here that today Russia is supplying Venezuela with heavy military weapons.

Claudio Kholer, S.Paulo, Brasil

The recent events on US plans to place an antimissile system in Poland and Russia's objections to it and the actions by Russia to put its bombers airborne are very worrying developments for global security. In the first place the US plans are not the best things to do. We seem to have forgotten the Cuban crisis when the world nearly had a nuclear war. If the main purpose of the proposed antimissile system is to protect against nuclear missiles from the Middle East then US and Nato must cooperate with Russia and set a shield against potential threats from the Middle East. NATO and Russia must find ways to avoid the present tensions which may lead to a nuclear war by accident

Leo, Sydney, Australia

Putin is, regretfully, absolutely right to resume bomber flights. America is a very dangerous country; made more dangerous by our reluctance to face up to facts.

H. Grattan, Johannesburg, South Africa

Russia is a major nuclear power. To say that we have "nothing" to fear is ignorant. A diplomatic solution should be sought quickly. Although arms merchants would like nothing better, the world cannot afford any more wars.

Fahad, London,

I rather agree with RayB of Newcastle. It is indeed a great opportunity for us (i.e. the UK and the USA) to play war-games and sharpen our skills. If the Russians intensify the confrontation they will run out of money sooner than we shall. If I remember correctly, this is what happened to them last time.

Give war-games a chance!

DilipB, Patchogue, NY/ United States

Britain is still considered to be standard to beat. Although America might have an edge in military power it is Britain that everyone looks up to, including America.

I would not dismiss the Russians ever. They might be down right now, but they have staying power. What alarms me is they're courting China and Hugo Chavez (and his idol Fidel Castro). Russia is courting the middle east also at this time. Putin seems to be willing to make friends with any anti-democratic force. He isn't courting the Superpowers. These might not be the most technologically advanced civilizations, but they're unlimited in human resources.

Britain just has to be careful because they are the ones to beat. If Britain falls everyone will be scared. God help us all then. We can't let our guard down ever.

Julie, Houston, U.S.A. Texas

Farrukh, our air force is the Royal Air Force and its thanks to previous generations 'responding like kids in a playground' that you have the freedom to air your views and in the English language not German or Russian!

Brian Wildey, Fleurance, France

Putin's psyche longs for the days of so long ago when Soviet military movements caused the the West to sit up and take notice. For readers to young to remember, those were the days before the USSR cratered around itself as a direct result of its collective economic ineptness.

Flying a couple of souped up Bear bombers here and there to visit the neighbors is more of a curiosity nowadays and a relic of the Cold War than a real threat of any sort; kind of like Putin himself. Except for the chance to exercise a couple of Eurofighters, it's cause for about as much excitement as waiting for the laundry to finish.

Yawn.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Why don`t the russians fly over london to embarrass US and show what poodles we do be sir and how limited we really are.

ben, peterborough, uk

These are rehearsals for the coming maelstrom.

ron hudson, new york, usa

Kirk , do not mix allies with vassals , the distinction is extremely important , we are on the side of International Right ..

Not really supporters of the unilateralist way which ignored UN/I.Right by waging war for oil & private interests and did so upon lies and by isolating allied countries who opposed it , they even ran a shameful mediatic war against us ,and ignored our warnings : terrorism will worsen , huge chaos in the region will occur, credibility of the West across the world will be for a long time destroyed ..

There is no short term victory in Iraq or Afghanistan , whatever the number of troops you send there, the mess you created goes far beyond the barrier of borders or politics in the Middle East , it's now a global war against what they see as Anglo-American crusade against them.Huge death tolls of civilians , demography and Time plays for them , Total failure of to control Iraq/A-stan too .. This war and its impact will last for generations .

Jean, Metz, France

President Putin should stop being so cocky. He never knows what may happen if he probes the West and pushes us over the edge. Russia is a bygone country and is relying on the dominance and fear it created during the Cold War, which crumbled years ago.

Richard, Peachtree City, Georgia

Obviously we have forgotten when they used to send out the Bears in the late 80's and they would be met by an RAF Shackleton with an escort of two Tornados, it was a respect to the old days of the 50's. These days they would use Flankers if they really wanted to sabre rattle rather than just show the world they know how to fly to the UK. As for the Russian/British so called show down at the moment., leave it to the lawyers, wherever the defendants land let them be issued with a writ, it is not illegal and there is nothing they can do about it. They may want to talk to get this legal harassment removed, and they may finally understand that certain countries in the world have independant judicaries. As they say no one is above the law!

Jason Fishman, Beijing,

Please can some one send Mr. Putin a copy of Dr Strangelove with Peter Sellers: Mr Putin's sence of humour is very 1950s and a little passe.

Zened, London,

Boys with toys!

Richard , London,

Russia is nothing like the super power it used to be, we have little to fear. So lets just play war games for a while, it's great exersise for our new air defence fighters and pilots.

RayB, Newcastle, UK

What excuses will the left come up with for Russia bellicose actions; other that blame the uk and america.

Paul Graham, Greenwich,

For God's sake, what is this nonsense? You really think the Russian plane is going to drop bombs? These schoolyard shananagans have a habbit of being blown out of proportion and I`d like to thank the wisdom of our air force for responding like kids in a playground.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Just goes to show that Britain cannot and must not let it's defences ..and its armed forces down!!... If Russia goes ahead with its treaty with China then NATO will need to be stronger to counter balance the threat. All those 'NATO' countries who have let the side down in Afghanistan will care to remember whose side they are on.

kirk, Rotherham, UK