"Starting today, such tours of duty would be regular," Putin said. "Our pilots have been grounded for too long, they are happy to start a new life."
Soviet bombers routinely flew such missions to areas from which nuclear-tipped cruise missiles could be launched at the United States, but stopped in the post-Soviet economic meltdown.Booming oil prices over recent years have allowed Russia to sharply increase its military spending.
"Starting in 1992, the Russian Federation unilaterally suspended strategic aviation flights to remote areas," Putin said. "Regrettably, other nations haven't followed our example. That has created certain problems for Russia's security."
Starting up the flights that were once carried out during the Cold War is pure stupid nostalgia. Do the Russians really think they need to be in a position to launch nuclear-tipped cruise missiles?
Yep, Putin remembers when the Soviet team scored four touchdowns in the big game in high school against their cross-town rival.
It's all about reliving the glory days.
