[OntarioVanMan]

Canada tracking Russian subs off East Coast

Aug 11, 2009 05:06 PM
THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – The air force has sent a surveillance plane to keep tabs on two Russian attack submarines cruising off the East Coast in a patrol that harkens back to the Cold War.

The nuclear-powered subs were first spotted in international waters off Georgia on Aug. 5, raising eyebrows, but no sharp response from either the U.S. or Canada.

Defence sources say it's believed the Akula II Class warships have since moved north, and remain outside of Canadian and American territorial limits, which extends 12 nautical miles into the ocean.

It's unclear whether Canada took the initiative to have a CP-140 Aurora patrol plane watch the vessels, or whether there was a request from the U.S. Northern Command which tracks submarines.

The Russian patrol comes as the navy prepares to conduct an anti-submarine exercise in the Arctic this month.

It also comes just a few days after Defence Minister Peter MacKay criticized Moscow over a planned exercise to drop paratroopers on the North Pole this summer.

American officials say Moscow did not notify them about the submarine excursion – the first of its kind since the end of the Cold War.

It is another sign of stepped up Russian military activity, which has included several flights by strategic bombers that have brushed up against Canada's Arctic border – but not crossed over.

Last February, Canadian fighter jets scrambled to intercept an approaching Russian bomber less than 24 hours before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Ottawa.

As with other cases, the long-range Bear bomber did not enter Canada's airspace but the two CF-18 fighters had to order the plane to "back off."

The Arctic, with its prospective mineral wealth and ill-defined borders, has become an area of intense competition among Canada, Russia, the United States, Denmark and other countries.

The Kremlin caused a stir this year by declaring it was creating a special military force to protect its oil and natural gas interests in the Arctic – a plan that Russian Ambassador Georgyi Mamedov claimed was twisted out of context by Western governments.

Last year, the Russian navy conducted an exercise with Venezuela in the Caribbean, in what was the first deployment of Russian ships to the Western Hemisphere since the Cold War.

[letzrockexpress]

Originally Posted by OntarioVanMan

Canada tracking Russian subs off East Coast

Aug 11, 2009 05:06 PM
THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – The air force has sent a surveillance plane to keep tabs on two Russian attack submarines cruising off the East Coast in a patrol that harkens back to the Cold War.

The nuclear-powered subs were first spotted in international waters off Georgia on Aug. 5, raising eyebrows, but no sharp response from either the U.S. or Canada.

Defence sources say it's believed the Akula II Class warships have since moved north, and remain outside of Canadian and American territorial limits, which extends 12 nautical miles into the ocean.

It's unclear whether Canada took the initiative to have a CP-140 Aurora patrol plane watch the vessels, or whether there was a request from the U.S. Northern Command which tracks submarines.

The Russian patrol comes as the navy prepares to conduct an anti-submarine exercise in the Arctic this month.

It also comes just a few days after Defence Minister Peter MacKay criticized Moscow over a planned exercise to drop paratroopers on the North Pole this summer.

American officials say Moscow did not notify them about the submarine excursion – the first of its kind since the end of the Cold War.

It is another sign of stepped up Russian military activity, which has included several flights by strategic bombers that have brushed up against Canada's Arctic border – but not crossed over.

Last February, Canadian fighter jets scrambled to intercept an approaching Russian bomber less than 24 hours before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Ottawa.

As with other cases, the long-range Bear bomber did not enter Canada's airspace but the two CF-18 fighters had to order the plane to "back off."

The Arctic, with its prospective mineral wealth and ill-defined borders, has become an area of intense competition among Canada, Russia, the United States, Denmark and other countries.

The Kremlin caused a stir this year by declaring it was creating a special military force to protect its oil and natural gas interests in the Arctic – a plan that Russian Ambassador Georgyi Mamedov claimed was twisted out of context by Western governments.

Last year, the Russian navy conducted an exercise with Venezuela in the Caribbean, in what was the first deployment of Russian ships to the Western Hemisphere since the Cold War.

Hey Russians, don't nuke us, we'll give you donuts, Eh?

[OntarioVanMan]

Originally Posted by letzrockexpress

Hey Russians, don't nuke us, we'll give you donuts, Eh?

and a Timmys coffee....

[layoutshooter]

Better wake up people, it IS starting again. Why is it that so FEW ever believe that history cannot repeat? How many MORE MILLIONS need to die before you get it? A "Second" Soviet Union is likely to be even MORE murderous than the first was.

[Darmstadter]

Comrade Layoutshooter--no need to fear Russian sub---just looking for lost freighter. Just kidding----I can't believe it hasn't gotten more attention. They're just testing the waters---and our lack of response means we failed the test. Not to worry, I'm sure if it happens again, our Prez will issue a statement loosely translated as "Stop or else I'll say stop again!"

[layoutshooter]

LOL!! I don't think that the Coward in Chief would EVER get that tough on his "buddies" in Moscow. Remember, he hangs around with people that "BACKED" and "SUPPORTED" the Soviet Union AND their client States.

[hdxpedx]

Russians see rahm and ron reagan jr. in ballerina leotards as their opposition!!

[layoutshooter]

I doubt if they see Obama as one to oppose their latest moves.

[greg334]

камрад Layout,

Служба Внешней Разведки

Вы должны знать о их, они новое Комитет государственной безопасности, нет?

[layoutshooter]

Sorry Greg, I was NOT a linguist!! I have NO talent for other languages. SHOOT!! I have enough trouble with good ole everyday 'Merican!!

I was a signals guy, analyst and collection manager.

[greg334]

Comrade Layout,

Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)

You must know about them, they are the new committee of national security (KGB), no?

[layoutshooter]

I have read a bit about them but I don't work in that biz anymore so I can't get the "inside" scoop as I could in the past. I still have a few "private sorces" but it is no longer my concern. I have passed the torch. I could NEVER work for this administration just as I was NOT able to work for Slick Willy. That is when I got out. I could see that it was just a waste of my time and efforts. Just as it would be now.

[letzrockexpress]

Originally Posted by layoutshooter

I have NO talent

Sorry.It was just laying there...I couldn't help myself..

[layoutshooter]

Figures you would take something out of context. How Obama of you.