Russian Navy Missilex in Bay of Biscay

Blackjacks, Backfires, Bears; Black Sea Fleet and Northern Fleet  ships – all joining up for a large combined exercise in the Bay of Biscay beginning 23 Jan 08 according to open press reports. 

“The air force is taking a very active part in the exercises of the navy’s strike force in the Atlantic,” the Russian air force said in a statement reported by Reuters. “Today, two strategic Tu-160 bombers departed for exercises in the Bay of Biscay, which … will carry out a number of missions and will conduct tactical missile launches."

Presaging that operation are operational surface shots today (22 January) and yesterday.  This is the largest Russian exercise in well over 15 years and frankly, one that we would likely have to go back to the 80’s to see replicated.

There is still a very long way to go between the Russian fleet of 2008 and the Soviet flotillas of the mid-80’s (surface, subsurface and long-range aviation).  It is nevertheless clear that the intent is to shake the moribound Russian Navy out of its long hibernation and send it back out to sea as a demonstration of Russian will and presence.  In particular, what we see here is likely a demonstration of Putin’s particular displeasure with the direction of NATO enlargement, deployement of elements of the global missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic and Kosovo independence.  In turn, this comes on the heels of Russia’s chief of military staff, Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky’s remarks over the weekend reasserting a military doctrine first announced in 2000 regarding first use of nuclear weapons in the face of even a massive conventional attack.  Like so many things Russian – it’s not so much the content alone as it is the timing of the delivery…