Russia Sends Military Aircraft to Venezuela

[Wiz]

One of the reasons that Russia is interested in Venezuela is debt. Both Chavez and Maduro have borrowed hundred's of millions, and not from the IMF but from Russia.

Guess Russia would like to see these monies repaid one way or the other.

Yes, I believe Russia is planning to help Venezuela get their oil industry back on track. At least that's the plan which I briefly read.

The problem of course is that relations between the USA and Russia are already bad, this isn't a good omen IMO. One little misstep could get blown up out of proportion and there you have it.

Russia should be happy with bullying assisting their neighbors in their own neighborhood, but no they want to see how far they can push things with their multi polti aspirations.   

AvHdB

Obviously you did not bother to read my post No 8 and you either know or you missed the history of all USA interventions at Venezuela and it's clear who destroyed the economy of that country and it wasn't Chavez... Maduro is not as bright as Chavez but when the USA has attacked economically and in every other way they could .... what you could expect?

Putin is happy to help Maduro to sort the economy out......and maybe get his money back but I am sure with the agreement of president Trump.

Look how happy they were to see each other...... on the G20. Poor Macron... he is left out of the party.

But there is a problem.... ConFed is not happy with their arrangements,,,,,, and show his displeasure by telling us that Putin should stay out of property and influence.

I hope all of you enjoyed watching the video qnd the lessons of lovely Naomi Klein and have learned the truth ........

 

[AvHdB]

Worth noting the Russians have sent these aircraft before to Venezuela. They traveled as far as I can see with out a fighter escort. In other words they are ready for a turkey shoot at low level flight. Two cargo plans accompanied them. No images of humanitarian aid being offloaded have appeared, but maybe it is on RU.

[Wiz]

May I advice you that Russia Federation does not have a communistic system anymore. They have the same like yours... Capitalism and follow on your steps when it comes to stealing or exploiting public finances and natural resources, of which they have an abundance!

Just showed your latest 'funny' to Russians and thanks for the days entertainment

Russia is being run for the benefit of those supporting a one-party system - given the current leader didn't actually get enough votes and the last election was a farce ....  We know no-one who voted for VVP - if voting at all

Moby

For you and your fictional Russian friends.......



and also for your efforts in derailing any conversation that take place here,
so to bring attention to your empty, vein and belligerent self and life.

I don't remember the last time that you made a worthy serious contribution
to any conversation... but that it's not one of your priorities.

 

[Wiz]

Worth noting the Russians have sent these aircraft before to Venezuela. They traveled as far as I can see with out a fighter escort. In other words they are ready for a turkey shoot at low level flight. Two cargo plans accompanied them. No images of humanitarian aid being offloaded have appeared, but maybe it is on RU.

Have you not, heard the expressions.......

"Flying or showing the Flag" ..... and ... "Testing the limits"?

It's not the Russians who have quit the IBM and planning to quit the INF agreement  but the USA!

May I also remind you about the signed IRAN agreement that Trump has quit awhile ago?

How can we expect any country to trust the American Government anymore?

  

[yankee]

You're pretty giddy when you claim Russia can take Ukraine in 72 hours, when they cannot even pay pensions. Taking something and holding it is entirely different.

Excuse my memory but in my life time I can remember Korea.  Upps, we stalemated that one and still have over 80 troops in the area (Korea and Japan).  The there is Viet Nam.  Upps we lost that one.  We did win Panama and Grenada.  Then there was (or is) Iraq and Afghanistan, and Libya and  Syria. Gulf war 1 was good.   There is more but this is enough.

[Wiz]

You're pretty giddy when you claim Russia can take Ukraine in 72 hours, when they cannot even pay pensions. Taking something and holding it is entirely different.

Excuse my memory but in my life time I can remember Korea.  Upps, we stalemated that one and still have over 80 troops in the area (Korea and Japan).  Then there is Viet Nam.  Upps we lost that one.  We did win Panama and Grenada.  Then there was (or is) Iraq and Afghanistan, and Libya and  Syria. Gulf war 1 was good.   There is more but this is enough.

[AvHdB]

You're pretty giddy when you claim Russia can take Ukraine in 72 hours, when they cannot even pay pensions. Taking something and holding it is entirely different.

Excuse my memory but in my life time I can remember Korea.  Upps, we stalemated that one and still have over 80 troops in the area (Korea and Japan).  Then there is Viet Nam.  Upps we lost that one.  We did win Panama and Grenada.  Then there was (or is) Iraq and Afghanistan, and Libya and  Syria. Gulf war 1 was good.   There is more but this is enough.

North Korea invaded South Korea, and together with Chinese and Soviet Union controlled most of the peninsula. In a series of military actions the Allied Forces led by the American army regained control on the peninsula over 6 or so months. Oops!

[msmoby]

AvHdB

The North Koreans were notionally supported by other Communist ( Soviet Union / China )  in the earliest stages and then the UN -  90 percent US pushed them back to the border with China ... which is when the Chinese physically got involved - resulting in stalemate on the 38th parallel

The Soviets supplied Mig 15s training Chinese Pilots and 'volunteer' Soviet ones..

[AvHdB]

AvHdB

The North Koreans were notionally supported by other Communist ( Soviet Union / China )  in the earliest stages and then the UN -  90 percent US pushed them back to the border with China ... which is when the Chinese physically got involved - resulting in stalemate on the 38th parallel

The Soviets supplied Mig 15s training Chinese Pilots and 'volunteer' Soviet ones..

Not sure what you mean by 'notionally' of course you are a 'natural English speaker'.

If you look at the number of non-Korean POW's captured by the Allies, this does not support your claim. Further the Russian Air Force was extremely active above the skies of Korea. Yes they trained some foreign pilots but most sorties were flown by Russians.

Please if you do not know anything it is better just to read your comic books.

[Manny]

Not sure what you mean by 'notionally' of course you are a 'natural English speaker'.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/notionally

The Google Translate suggests Dutch doesn't have an accurate interpretation as the best it can offer is fictief which isnt quite the same. The root of 'fict' tells us the English word is 'fiction' which isn't quite the same as notional. Begrip, idee, notie, denkbeeld or neiging might be better words in Dutch.

This time, our 'natural English speaker' used a quite legitimate word for his intent.

[AvHdB]

Not sure what you mean by 'notionally' of course you are a 'natural English speaker'.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/notionally

The Google Translate suggests Dutch doesn't have an accurate interpretation as the best it can offer is fictief which isnt quite the same. The root of 'fict' tells us the English word is 'fiction' which isn't quite the same as notional. Begrip, idee, notie, denkbeeld or neiging might be better words in Dutch.

This time, our 'natural English speaker' used a quite legitimate word for his intent.

You mean something like this? From Merriman~Webster:

"Definition of notional
1 : THEORETICAL, SPECULATIVE
2 : existing in the mind only : IMAGINARY
3 : given to foolish or fanciful moods or ideas"

[Manny]

Not sure what you mean by 'notionally' of course you are a 'natural English speaker'.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/notionally

The Google Translate suggests Dutch doesn't have an accurate interpretation as the best it can offer is fictief which isnt quite the same. The root of 'fict' tells us the English word is 'fiction' which isn't quite the same as notional. Begrip, idee, notie, denkbeeld or neiging might be better words in Dutch.

This time, our 'natural English speaker' used a quite legitimate word for his intent.

You mean something like this? From Merriman~Webster:

"Definition of notional
1 : THEORETICAL, SPECULATIVE
2 : existing in the mind only : IMAGINARY
3 : given to foolish or fanciful moods or ideas"

Always use British dictionaries when translating English. It's our language. American dictionaries give a simplified interpretation of what is meant.

Based on what Moby actually wrote, 'allegedly' (naar verluidt) or purportedly (ogenschijnlijk) might be a better word.

[redroo]

"volunteer" Russian Pilots in Korean Conflict sounds very much like ..."holidaying" Russian Soldiers in Eastern Ukraine and Syria

[msmoby]

Please if you do not know anything it is better just to read your comic books.[/font][/size]

Quite...

questions that will help you understand why I'm taking you to task

1/ When did the war start ?
2/ Did the North Koreans have much air-support

i.e troops were almost all NK with Soviet / Chinese kit - notional

3/ when did the MIG-15's appear ?
4/ did they coincide with the 'UN'' ( 90 percent US - having pushed the NK back to the border with China - mainly due to air support ?


Thank you

[Contrarian]

You're pretty giddy when you claim Russia can take Ukraine in 72 hours, when they cannot even pay pensions. Taking something and holding it is entirely different.

Excuse my memory but in my life time I can remember Korea.  Upps, we stalemated that one and still have over 80 troops in the area (Korea and Japan).  Then there is Viet Nam.  Upps we lost that one.  We did win Panama and Grenada.  Then there was (or is) Iraq and Afghanistan, and Libya and  Syria. Gulf war 1 was good.   There is more but this is enough.

North Korea invaded South Korea, and together with Chinese and Soviet Union controlled most of the peninsula. In a series of military actions the Allied Forces led by the American army regained control on the peninsula over 6 or so months. Oops!

And then assisted by the USA the small nation of South Korea became a powerhouse economy around the World with a high standard of living. Oops!


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_South_Korea

[Wiz]

After the previous diversions... I thought it's time to go back 

While reading around I come across with this article which looks a very different direction for the purpose of the flight to Venezuela.

​THE STRANGE NEWS BLACKOUT ON THE RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT SHIPMENT TO VENEZUELA

Western headlines announced that Russia has sent 2 nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela on Monday Dec 10. They were actually missile carriers and they are back home in Mother Russia now, which is odd. So what were they doing there for such a brief space of time? No one in the news anywhere asked this obvious question.

But let’s examine the news coverage. All the major US news outlets focused on the 2 bombers (actually missile carriers) that were sent to South America but mentioned only in passing the other two planes that accompanied them. There was no speculation as to the possible purpose of these 2 “accompanying” aircraft. My question is: were they just accompanying the bombers or did they have a separate purpose?

 
NBC News offers no clues:
 
“It [the Russian ministry] added that a heavy-lift An-124 Ruslan cargo plane and an Il-62 passenger plane accompanied the bombers to Maiquetia.”
 
Time:
 
“The ministry said a heavy-lift An-124 Ruslan cargo plane and an Il-62 passenger plane accompanied the bombers to Maiquetia.”
 
CBS reported similarly but added:
 
MOSCOW -- The Kremlin has rejected U.S. criticism of Russian strategic bombers' deployment to Venezuela. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded to Monday's arrival of a pair of Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers in Venezuela by tweeting that "the Russian and Venezuelan people should see this for what it is: two corrupt governments squandering public funds, and squelching liberty and freedom while their people suffer."

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, dismissed Pompeo's comment as "undiplomatic" and "inappropriate." He told reporters Tuesday that such criticism sounds odd from a country "half of whose military budget would be enough to feed the whole of Africa."
 
Germany’s DW issued almost a carbon copy of the US media coverage – or rather non-coverage.
 
Russia’s RT did not do any better. All reports stressed the fact that 2 nuclear capable war planes were sent and barely mentioned in passing the other two planes.
 
Peskov hit the nail on the head, BTW. This comment by Pompei was very stupid coming from the nation that specializes in killing civilians abroad and has chalked up hundreds of thousands of casualties since the Bush wars. But, of course, Peskov offered no details on the purpose of the other two aircraft.
 
None of the reports or official statements on the Russian or US side mention it, but as we reported here, Trump has been threatening for quite some time to invade Venezuela, which means this Russian move is anything but a waste of money.
After all, if Venezuela is poor, then why is the US imposing sanctions on the country that make it even poorer? This point was never made in any media, either Western or Russian, that we examined.
 
Even the Saker only translated a Russian commentator discussing the US hysteria over the 2 bombers landing within striking distance of the US. He too missed an important point.
 
And what did they all miss – both alt-media and msm of both Russia and the West?
 
Why they missed the presence of the An-124. And why is that important? Because this plane, one of the biggest transport planes in the world, is of no defensive value whatsoever to the Venezuelan military, and you would think some journalist somewhere, would have done some investigating into this fact and asked the obvious question: why was it sent? I mean, if you want to accompany a big bomber like the Tu-160s, then the obvious choice is not a lumbering transporter but an agile fighter jet to protect it.
 
I do not pretend to be clairvoyant, or to have special powers enabling me to see behind the news. On the other hand, I have a very suspicious mind and I remembered that the S-300 system was sent to Syria in An-124s.

I also note that all of four aircraft were sent to Venezuela, one of which was an Il-62. I further note that An-124s and Il-62s both participated in the shipment of the S-300 air defences to Syria. Since the Il-62 is a passenger plane, we might suppose that it transported the air defence/EW specialists to that destination. (These details on the aircraft used to ship the S-300s to Syria were provided by janes.com at the time). According to aerotime.aero, “hundreds” of Russian pilots were sent, presumably in the Il-62. But that makes no sense. You would not need hundreds of pilots for just 4 planes. But if the shipment in the An-124 had been air defence and/or EW equipment, then that many technicians would make sense. Assuming they stayed behind, you could conceivably need, say, 20-25 or more technicians setting up and manning these systems in 3 shifts per day plus several more to step in on holidays.

In addition to this air defence system, Syria also received electronic warfare (EW) equipment. And it was this EW system that put the fear of the Lord into the Israelis, who stopped or at least greatly curtailed their attacks on Syrian soil. While at least one Israeli attack has been reported since then, it was accomplished by means of SAMs and did not involve any aircraft, as had been the case prior to that. Israel was not risking losing any more fighter jets to Syrian missiles and understood Shoigu’s warning, following the shipment, that the satellite navigation, on-board radar and communications of any enemy aircraft participating in an attack on Syria from the West would be disabled.
 
So since the An-124 accompanying the transfer of aircraft to Venezuela could serve no other purpose than to transport large shipments of gear, is it not reasonable to speculate that Venezuela now has in its possession an air defence (S-300 or higher)  capable of downing one of those planes that Trump had threatened to invade Venezuela with, and that Russian specialists in air defence and EW are deployed there as well? What if the attackers are stealth aircraft? Russia has variously claimed the ability to “see” stealth fighters, and as we reported here, Russia has been working for years on a quantum radar system that could indeed visibilise stealth aircraft.
 
 
The fact that the Tu-160 bombers are now back in Russia is a further clue that these bombers may well have been not only a warning to the US but also a smoke screen – a very effective one – to hide the fact that Russia has just made Venezuela invulnerable to an invasion from the air.
 
Not one news outlet or blog mentioned any of this. While I am not a prophet, I do connect dots. So let’s see what materializes in the future. For example, if Trump suddenly falls silent over his possible response to the Venezuela situation, that could be a clue. Or perhaps another An-124 will fly to Venezuela -- a dead give-away. It is entirely possible that the Russian MoD has already warned the US that it has deployed the latest EW and air defences in Venezuela, and the msm are not privy to this information. Neither the US nor the Russian government have any particular interest in this being bruited to the world. The Russians give the US a chance to save face when possible.
 

Finally, to address US officials’ amateurish criticism of the Soviet-era Tu-160, an article in versia.ru Of 12-17-2018 points out that the Tu-160 missile carrier is being constantly updated and is not the worn-out relic it is portrayed as in US media and officialdom. It states [our translation]:
 
“The Tu-160 will become a full-fledged reconnaissance aircraft, and in addition, modern radar systems will allow it to detect subtle fighters of NATO countries at long distances. It is not excluded that the capabilities of the Tu-160 as a strategic bomber will increase as well - "smart" missile weapons capable of hitting targets from a greater distance beyond the limits of modern air defence systems will be installed on board.”
 
In other words, if the above-described development happens soon enough, then should Trump decide to invade Venezuela, his attack aircraft may be spotted even at a long distance away from the Venezuelan borders and shot down on arrival. And we now know that Russian military development proceeds at a staggering pace.

Have you ordered your Putin calendar yet?

Amazon has them: 

Calendar of the President, Vladimir Putin, of Russia

Original posted by Vince Dhimos http://www.newsilkstrategies.com/military-affairs/the-strange-news-blackout-onthe-russian-aircraft-shipment-to-venezuela#

[AvHdB]

Worth noting the Russians have sent these aircraft before to Venezuela. They traveled as far as I can see with out a fighter escort. In other words they are ready for a turkey shoot at low level flight. Two cargo plans accompanied them. No images of humanitarian aid being offloaded have appeared, but maybe it is on RU.

Wiz, Do try to keep up.

As I noted elsewhere the TU-160 have visited Venezuela before. Av

[Wiz]

Worth noting the Russians have sent these aircraft before to Venezuela. They traveled as far as I can see with out a fighter escort. In other words they are ready for a turkey shoot at low level flight. Two cargo plans accompanied them. No images of humanitarian aid being offloaded have appeared, but maybe it is on RU.

Wiz, Do try to keep up.

As I noted elsewhere the TU-160 have visited Venezuela before. Av

I do pay attention old boy and I posted a reply, after your comments. See bellow my reply. Obviously you were drunk, when I posted this reply!

I suggest, stay off the bottle for awhile, pay attention to the other people's replies and learn to say Sorry when you Fcuk up! 

HERE IS WHAT I POSTED AS A REPLY TO YOUR PREVIOUS COMMENTS!

Worth noting the Russians have sent these aircraft before to Venezuela. They traveled as far as I can see with out a fighter escort. In other words they are ready for a turkey shoot at low level flight. Two cargo plans accompanied them. No images of humanitarian aid being offloaded have appeared, but maybe it is on RU.

Have you not, heard the expressions.......

"Flying or showing the Flag" ..... and ... "Testing the limits"?

It's not the Russians who have quit the IBM and planning to quit the INF agreement  but the USA!

May I also remind you about the signed IRAN agreement that Trump has quit awhile ago?

How can we expect any country to trust the American Government anymore?

  

When you are not under the influence of your favorite plonk...... start reading againg the erticle..... from the paragraph ......

"Even the Saker only translated a Russian commentator discussing the US hysteria over the 2 bombers landing within striking distance of the US. He too missed an important point."

... and maybe you will realise what the commenter has posted, which if it is true then we will understand what the Russians have done in Syria and also in Venezuela.

BTW Maduro was in Moscow before these flight took place and probably that is the reason James Mattis resigned.......

Any how don't forget what I said earlier............

[Manny]

None of the reports or official statements on the Russian or US side mention it, but as we reported here, Trump has been threatening for quite some time to invade Venezuela, which means this Russian move is anything but a waste of money.
After all, if Venezuela is poor, then why is the US imposing sanctions on the country that make it even poorer? This point was never made in any media, either Western or Russian, that we examined.
 
Even the Saker only translated a Russian commentator discussing the US hysteria over the 2 bombers landing within striking distance of the US. He too missed an important point.
 
And what did they all miss – both alt-media and msm of both Russia and the West?
 
Why they missed the presence of the An-124. And why is that important? Because this plane, one of the biggest transport planes in the world, is of no defensive value whatsoever to the Venezuelan military, and you would think some journalist somewhere, would have done some investigating into this fact and asked the obvious question: why was it sent? I mean, if you want to accompany a big bomber like the Tu-160s, then the obvious choice is not a lumbering transporter but an agile fighter jet to protect it.
 
I do not pretend to be clairvoyant, or to have special powers enabling me to see behind the news. On the other hand, I have a very suspicious mind and I remembered that the S-300 system was sent to Syria in An-124s.

I also note that all of four aircraft were sent to Venezuela, one of which was an Il-62. I further note that An-124s and Il-62s both participated in the shipment of the S-300 air defences to Syria. Since the Il-62 is a passenger plane, we might suppose that it transported the air defence/EW specialists to that destination. (These details on the aircraft used to ship the S-300s to Syria were provided by janes.com at the time). According to aerotime.aero, “hundreds” of Russian pilots were sent, presumably in the Il-62. But that makes no sense. You would not need hundreds of pilots for just 4 planes. But if the shipment in the An-124 had been air defence and/or EW equipment, then that many technicians would make sense. Assuming they stayed behind, you could conceivably need, say, 20-25 or more technicians setting up and manning these systems in 3 shifts per day plus several more to step in on holidays.

In addition to this air defence system, Syria also received electronic warfare (EW) equipment. And it was this EW system that put the fear of the Lord into the Israelis, who stopped or at least greatly curtailed their attacks on Syrian soil. While at least one Israeli attack has been reported since then, it was accomplished by means of SAMs and did not involve any aircraft, as had been the case prior to that. Israel was not risking losing any more fighter jets to Syrian missiles and understood Shoigu’s warning, following the shipment, that the satellite navigation, on-board radar and communications of any enemy aircraft participating in an attack on Syria from the West would be disabled.
 
So since the An-124 accompanying the transfer of aircraft to Venezuela could serve no other purpose than to transport large shipments of gear, is it not reasonable to speculate that Venezuela now has in its possession an air defence (S-300 or higher)  capable of downing one of those planes that Trump had threatened to invade Venezuela with, and that Russian specialists in air defence and EW are deployed there as well? What if the attackers are stealth aircraft? Russia has variously claimed the ability to “see” stealth fighters, and as we reported here, Russia has been working for years on a quantum radar system that could indeed visibilise stealth aircraft.
 
 
The fact that the Tu-160 bombers are now back in Russia is a further clue that these bombers may well have been not only a warning to the US but also a smoke screen – a very effective one – to hide the fact that Russia has just made Venezuela invulnerable to an invasion from the air.
 
Not one news outlet or blog mentioned any of this. While I am not a prophet, I do connect dots. So let’s see what materializes in the future. For example, if Trump suddenly falls silent over his possible response to the Venezuela situation, that could be a clue. Or perhaps another An-124 will fly to Venezuela -- a dead give-away. It is entirely possible that the Russian MoD has already warned the US that it has deployed the latest EW and air defences in Venezuela, and the msm are not privy to this information. Neither the US nor the Russian government have any particular interest in this being bruited to the world. The Russians give the US a chance to save face when possible.
 

Finally, to address US officials’ amateurish criticism of the Soviet-era Tu-160, an article in versia.ru Of 12-17-2018 points out that the Tu-160 missile carrier is being constantly updated and is not the worn-out relic it is portrayed as in US media and officialdom. It states [our translation]:
 
“The Tu-160 will become a full-fledged reconnaissance aircraft, and in addition, modern radar systems will allow it to detect subtle fighters of NATO countries at long distances. It is not excluded that the capabilities of the Tu-160 as a strategic bomber will increase as well - "smart" missile weapons capable of hitting targets from a greater distance beyond the limits of modern air defence systems will be installed on board.”
 
In other words, if the above-described development happens soon enough, then should Trump decide to invade Venezuela, his attack aircraft may be spotted even at a long distance away from the Venezuelan borders and shot down on arrival. And we now know that Russian military development proceeds at a staggering pace.

Well spotted, Wiz. I expect that's the answer. 

[msmoby]

Wiz

or anyone foolish enough to think Wiz knows what he is talking about ? ..

Venezuela already HAD Russian S-300's

Do TRY to keep up ...

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-s-400-game-changer-the-middle-east-america-should-22760

"There are other users of these systems. There is China, of course, but also India, Ukraine, Venezuela and NATO member Bulgaria, to name a few."

The article is a bit iffy as Cyprus never saw the S-300s - they went straight to Greece and it seems a little gung ho about RU kit that has not seen proper action against NATO defences ( SU-35)

SO, may be the Antonov was bringing in furniture for the Russian Ambassador or even S-400's ? [ had a RU client who's Dad leased out An-124's to NATO and landed his furniture for his CY house from Siberia at RAF Akrotiri ]

[Wiz]

None of the reports or official statements on the Russian or US side mention it, but as we reported here, Trump has been threatening for quite some time to invade Venezuela, which means this Russian move is anything but a waste of money.
After all, if Venezuela is poor, then why is the US imposing sanctions on the country that make it even poorer? This point was never made in any media, either Western or Russian, that we examined.
 
Even the Saker only translated a Russian commentator discussing the US hysteria over the 2 bombers landing within striking distance of the US. He too missed an important point.
 
And what did they all miss – both alt-media and msm of both Russia and the West?
 
Why they missed the presence of the An-124. And why is that important? Because this plane, one of the biggest transport planes in the world, is of no defensive value whatsoever to the Venezuelan military, and you would think some journalist somewhere, would have done some investigating into this fact and asked the obvious question: why was it sent? I mean, if you want to accompany a big bomber like the Tu-160s, then the obvious choice is not a lumbering transporter but an agile fighter jet to protect it.
 
I do not pretend to be clairvoyant, or to have special powers enabling me to see behind the news. On the other hand, I have a very suspicious mind and I remembered that the S-300 system was sent to Syria in An-124s.

I also note that all of four aircraft were sent to Venezuela, one of which was an Il-62. I further note that An-124s and Il-62s both participated in the shipment of the S-300 air defences to Syria. Since the Il-62 is a passenger plane, we might suppose that it transported the air defence/EW specialists to that destination. (These details on the aircraft used to ship the S-300s to Syria were provided by janes.com at the time). According to aerotime.aero, “hundreds” of Russian pilots were sent, presumably in the Il-62. But that makes no sense. You would not need hundreds of pilots for just 4 planes. But if the shipment in the An-124 had been air defence and/or EW equipment, then that many technicians would make sense. Assuming they stayed behind, you could conceivably need, say, 20-25 or more technicians setting up and manning these systems in 3 shifts per day plus several more to step in on holidays.

In addition to this air defence system, Syria also received electronic warfare (EW) equipment. And it was this EW system that put the fear of the Lord into the Israelis, who stopped or at least greatly curtailed their attacks on Syrian soil. While at least one Israeli attack has been reported since then, it was accomplished by means of SAMs and did not involve any aircraft, as had been the case prior to that. Israel was not risking losing any more fighter jets to Syrian missiles and understood Shoigu’s warning, following the shipment, that the satellite navigation, on-board radar and communications of any enemy aircraft participating in an attack on Syria from the West would be disabled.
 
So since the An-124 accompanying the transfer of aircraft to Venezuela could serve no other purpose than to transport large shipments of gear, is it not reasonable to speculate that Venezuela now has in its possession an air defence (S-300 or higher)  capable of downing one of those planes that Trump had threatened to invade Venezuela with, and that Russian specialists in air defence and EW are deployed there as well? What if the attackers are stealth aircraft? Russia has variously claimed the ability to “see” stealth fighters, and as we reported here, Russia has been working for years on a quantum radar system that could indeed visibilise stealth aircraft.
 
 
The fact that the Tu-160 bombers are now back in Russia is a further clue that these bombers may well have been not only a warning to the US but also a smoke screen – a very effective one – to hide the fact that Russia has just made Venezuela invulnerable to an invasion from the air.
 
Not one news outlet or blog mentioned any of this. While I am not a prophet, I do connect dots. So let’s see what materializes in the future. For example, if Trump suddenly falls silent over his possible response to the Venezuela situation, that could be a clue. Or perhaps another An-124 will fly to Venezuela -- a dead give-away. It is entirely possible that the Russian MoD has already warned the US that it has deployed the latest EW and air defences in Venezuela, and the msm are not privy to this information. Neither the US nor the Russian government have any particular interest in this being bruited to the world. The Russians give the US a chance to save face when possible.
 

Finally, to address US officials’ amateurish criticism of the Soviet-era Tu-160, an article in versia.ru Of 12-17-2018 points out that the Tu-160 missile carrier is being constantly updated and is not the worn-out relic it is portrayed as in US media and officialdom. It states [our translation]:
 
“The Tu-160 will become a full-fledged reconnaissance aircraft, and in addition, modern radar systems will allow it to detect subtle fighters of NATO countries at long distances. It is not excluded that the capabilities of the Tu-160 as a strategic bomber will increase as well - "smart" missile weapons capable of hitting targets from a greater distance beyond the limits of modern air defence systems will be installed on board.”
 
In other words, if the above-described development happens soon enough, then should Trump decide to invade Venezuela, his attack aircraft may be spotted even at a long distance away from the Venezuelan borders and shot down on arrival. And we now know that Russian military development proceeds at a staggering pace.

Well spotted, Wiz. I expect that's the answer. 

Manny

Be careful, you will be accused of supporting a wack conspiracy theorist/follower...... by the Brilliant mind from Northern Ireland...... .... Did you see the photo of him and "Put In" at Sochi?

This article got my interest...... when I red in the first Paragraph...... and like you I think it's right.

"After all, if Venezuela is poor, then why is the US imposing sanctions on the country that make it even poorer?"

At the end of the day, why most if not all presidents of USA have tried to invade and fcuk Venezouela, if it has nothing of interest.?

I don't thing anybody will invest any money in any country.... without expecting to get good return for his/her money.

Russia and Putin have lend/risked lot's of money to Venezuela...... and I am sure this move was another clever move by Putin...... and his advisors... especially the defence Minister Shoigu, to protect their investment!

Take a look at the change of tactics in Syria by the Israelis........after the S-300 arrived and the change of the Game by Trump regarding Syria.


But.... "ΦΟΒΟΥ ΤΟΥΣ ΔΑΝΑΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΔΩΡΑ ΦΕΡΟΝΤΕΣ" ...(FOVOU TOUS DANAOUS KAI DORA FERONTES).....or you must know....

"Be aware of the Greeks bearing Gifts"

Enjoy your Holiday !

[dcguyusa]

China, Russia side with Maduro as US backs Venezuela challenger

https://news.yahoo.com/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-venezuela-leader-015022045.html


Now it is back to the Cold War.  Ahh.. the good old days.   

We’re playing Russian roulette with humanity,"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/01/24/doomsday-clock-how-close-we-midnight/2666319002/

Oh well,  it was nice while it lasted.   Time to fix up the fallout shelters. 

[BillyB]

Now it is back to the Cold War.  Ahh.. the good old days.   

We’re playing Russian roulette with humanity,"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/01/24/doomsday-clock-how-close-we-midnight/2666319002/

Oh well,  it was nice while it lasted.   Time to fix up the fallout shelters. 

Doomsday scientist say current reality is frightening. It's safe to assume they don't get laid very often.