Commander of NATO Allied Air Command says they are disrespecting international standards.
The Russian military has been exhibiting challenging behavior as Russia-West relations have continued to deteriorate. In one instance, a Russian fighter flew into Danish territory as it pursued a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber.
General Jeffrey Harrigian, commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command, said, “This incident demonstrates Russia’s disrespect of international norms and for the sovereign airspace of an Allied nation. We remain vigilant, ready, and prepared to secure NATO airspace 24/7.”
Another recent occurrence was over the Black Sea last week when two Russian jets intercepted an American bomber, causing turbulence by coming within 100 feet of the plane’s nose.
Said General Harrigian of the incident, “Actions like these increase the potential for midair collisions, are unnecessary, and inconsistent with good airmanship and international flight rules. While the Russian aircraft were operating in international airspace, they jeopardized the safety of flight of the aircraft involved. We expect them to operate within international standards set to ensure safety and prevent accidents.”
American ground operations lately experienced provocation when Russian forces in Syria rammed a coalition armored vehicle. Four American soldiers on the routine security patrol were left with concussions from the impact.
National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said, “Unsafe and unprofessional actions like this represent a breach of deconfliction protocols, committed to by the United States and Russia in December 2019.”
The Russian navy also recently conducted the largest millitary war games since the Soviet era in the Bering Sea near Alaska. While the drills took place in international waters, General Glen VanHerck, commander of NORAD, said, “Our northern approaches have had an increase in foreign military activity as our competitors continue to expand their military presence and probe our defenses. This year, we’ve conducted more than a dozen intercepts, the most in recent years. The importance of our continued efforts to project air defense operations in and through the north has never been more apparent.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president as commander-in-chief as he considers the challenging foreign military actions.
- For the U.S. military as they work to protect America and its allies.
- For Defense Secretary Esper and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they advise President Trump.
Sources: Washington Free Beacon, Military Times, Air Force Mag
