Friday, October 31, 2008

Do the Russians Have OPTAR to Burn or What?

Northern and Black Sea Fleet ships will carry out joint exercises in the Med.

A Northern Fleet strike group led by the Admiral Kuznetsov will leave Severomorsk and head for the Mediterranean Sea for exercises with ships of the Black Sea fleet led by the missile cruiser Moskva.

The ships will conduct a month long exercise simulating battle between two strike groups.

"The main goal of the deployment - resolution of operational-strategic tasks and showing the St. Andrew's flag in foreign ports", RIA Novosti quoted sources in the Navy Headquarters.

The Northern Fleet strike group will be on deployment for three months.

Comment: This is pretty big if it happens - when was the last time the Russians had THREE battle groups at sea at once? Plus they're establishing what looks like an East Africa station. Plus they are talking with the Libyans about building a base in Tripoli.

Have the Russians forgotten that oil is closer to $60/bbl and not $120/bbl?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Have the Russians forgotten that oil is closer to $60/bbl and not $120/bbl? "

Perhaps that is why they are practicing now, when it is cheapest.

Anonymous said...

If oil stays below $70 bbl. for an extended period, maybe some saber rattling on station will spike it up a buck or two. Wasn't it Teddy R. that sent "The great White Fleet half way around the world in a show of gun boat diplomacy ? And he had to ask congress to pony up the $ to get the fleet back home.
History could repeat for Putin since sailors gotta eat. Hope they brough their fishing poles.

Anonymous said...

It is very interesting for me to read that post. Thank you for it. I like such themes and anything connected to them. I would like to read a bit more on that blog soon.

Anonymous said...

It is very interesting for me to read this blog. Thanx for it. I like such topics and everything connected to this matter. BTW, why don't you change design :).