2 Signs Russia Remains Combat-Ready vs. U.S., NATO: Increased Baltic Sea Incursions & Relentless Naval Build-Up
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has increased its readiness for armed confrontation with the West and the latest reports are saying that the current Russian military mode suggests of preparedness for imminent showdown with the United States and its NATO allies.
Signs are aplenty that the Kremlin remains in the offensive posture amidst the economic sanctions it faces over the crisis in Ukraine, the latest of which are provided below:
Ramped up incursions on Baltic Sea
The latest report from NATO points to fresh Russian plane patrols on regions where the Baltic Sea is located. The military warplanes that NATO noted on its reports, according to The Economic Times, include long-range bombers equipped to deliver nuclear weapons.
The incursions have been described by alliance officials as "significant level of activity by Russia.
"Such activity can be destabilising and potentially dangerous, if international norms are not respected," a NATO representative told The Economic Times.
While the Russian patrols are regarded for now as routine, officials are sounding alarm that NATO has already registered 400 similar intercepts and the year has yet to end. Needless to say, the incursion spikes are directly connected with Moscow's soured relationship with the west.
Russia is the subject of punishing economic sanctions by the West following its annexation of Crimea and its alleged support of Ukrainian separatist rebels fighting for independence from Kiev.
Naval build up
Another indicator that the Kremlin is gearing up for a possible war is the non-stop beefing up of its naval might.
The latest evidence of this is the manufacture of the Ka-52K military helicopters. The building will continue, Business Insider said in a report, despite the recent reports that France will delay indefinitely the delivery of Mistral-class helicopter carriers ordered by Russia.
A naval edition of Ka-52K is designed with foldable rotor blades that make the chopper more suitable for carrier deployment. At least eight units of Ka-52K will be stationed on Russia's Mistral carrier fleet once the latter becomes operational.
It is believed that the Ukrainian problem is the main reason why the $1.6 billion French-Russian deal is currently on hold.
The Mistral ships are chiefly for offensive purposes as it can easily launch an assault with hundreds of troops that can be supported by attack helicopters, like the Ka-52K, and armoured vehicles, Business Insider said.
