http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/88/354/13506_.html
Relations Keep a watchful eye on Russia's military technology 07/22/2004 15:21 Over the last twelve years, it has become customary to refer to the Russian military establishment as decayed, under-armed, under-trained, and under-supplied, thereby effectively writing it off as second-rate. Russia's long war in Chechnya seems to reinforce the above sentiments, and current writings and reports on the Russian armed forces all point to the dire need for reform and financial assistance across the board. In essence, current analysis seems to indicate that Russia stopped being a viable competitor to the American military sometime after 1992. The media coverage of Russian military technological achievements has been limited to coverage of its fighter jet crashes at international air shows, and an occasional complimentary article on a recent Russian entrant at a military show or exposition. At the same time, there has been wide and detailed coverage of American achievements in the development of numerous military technologies, especially after the 1991 Gulf War. The United States' military interest is concentrated on continuing the process of revolutionizing its military affairs with new technologies and tactics that were learned in conflicts and wars very different from the once-possible war between the U.S. and Russia on the European plains. Meanwhile, the Russian military is forced to make do with weapons that should have been retired in late 1980s. However, even in the current dire circumstances, Russia never stopped being a powerful entity that produced state-of-the-art military technologies - a trend that continued from its inception as a modern state. While its army, navy and air force are in dangerously derelict conditions, every part of the formula for Russia's resurgence as a military powerhouse is still in place. Russia has been consistently fielding top-notch military technology at various international trade shows, and has been steady in the demonstration of its capabilities. In spite of financial and economic difficulties, Russia still produces state-of-the-art military technologies that continue to impress the world. One of its best achievements after the dissolution of the Soviet Union has been its armored fighting vehicle BMP-3, which has been chosen over Western vehicles in contracts for the United Arab Emirates and Oman, long located in Washington's sphere of influence. Russia's surface-to-air missile systems, the S-300, and its more powerful successor, the S-400, are reported to be more potent than American-made Patriot systems. The once-anticipated military exercise between the Patriot and the S-300 never materialized, leaving the Russian complex with an undisputed, yet unproven, claim of superiority over the American system. Continuing this list is the Kamov-50 family of military helicopters that incorporate the latest cutting-edge technologies and tactics, making them an equal force to the best Washington and the West has to offer. Additional proof of the strength of Russian military technology is the recently held joint Indo-American air force exercises, the results of which were widely covered in the media. Modern Russian-made Su-30 fighters in service with the Indian Air Force out maneuvered American-made F-15 planes in a majority of their engagements, prompting U.S. Air Force General Hal Homburg to admit that Russian technology in Indian hands has given the U.S. Air Force a "wake-up call." Furthermore, the Russian military establishment is continuing to design other helicopters, tanks and armored vehicles that are on par with the best that the West has to offer. In addition, Mexico, long a customer of U.S. military technology, has expressed an interest in a limited amount of Russian weapon systems. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/BRUplB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************************************************** Berdikusi dg Santun & Elegan, dg Semangat Persahabatan. Menuju Indonesia yg Lebih Baik, in Commonality & Shared Destiny. www.arsip.da.ru *************************************************************************** __________________________________________________________________________ Mohon Perhatian: 1. Harap tdk. memposting/reply yg menyinggung SARA (kecuali sbg otokritik) 2. Pesan yg akan direply harap dihapus, kecuali yg akan dikomentari. 3. 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