Dutch F-35A to Bulgaria Off-topic

[SquAdmin]

2 F-35's to be precise, I guess that will make those Russians scream for their mommies!

[hammarö]

Small pieces make a elephant.

[Alpha Kilo One]

Small pieces will be small pieces forever......

[Wildpicture]

It is a signal (although it is not really a response to Putin's build up but planned earlier), but Putin won't be impressed. Two planes about 1000km away from Ukraine.....

If NATO would deploy 200 fighters along the south-eastern border of Poland and northern Romania, it might send a clear message.

Putin knows that Europe is not united and has a weak backbone. And many countries fear for their economic ties with Russia. Especially the German SPD. Just think of Northstream and the despicable role of the former kanzler Schröder who seems to be Putin's best friend.

[Rabbit]

It’s not about the numbers. Even Putin wil think twice before taking action to souvereign states with the risk to shoot at (of even kill) military personell of nato members.

[Richard from Rotterdam]

Apparently the Bulgarian prime minister is opposing the deployment of NATO jets to his country. So we will have to see if this deployment will actually happen. The man is a Putin/Russia supporter, so that explains his reasoning.

[Le Addeur noir]

If Russia or any other aggressorinvades any NATO real estate, artice 5 is automatically triggered, which is a full-scale war. In theory. Failure to act in the event of any incursion into NATO real estate will remove any credibility from the organisation, and will lead to further aggression.

This is what has kept the peace in Europe since 1945.

The unofficial reason for NATO was quoted in the late 1940s as the following,

To keep the Americans in.
To keep the Russians out.
To keep the Germans down.

So far it has worked...

[pluggie]

Two things:
1) this is a spotters forum, not a political discussion forum for the lesser educated.
2) Ukraine is not part of NATO, the article 5 argument is irrelevant.

[pjotrtje]

Well…

First of all, the chances of Russia doing anything in Ukraine are slim. They just don’t have the forces to do that effectively.
Second, having two fifth gen. fighter aircraft a couple of miles down the road will not defy an entire Russian army, but it is a sign of NATO backing members up.
Third: when are we going to actually do something about the military might of European NATO members, and get a European NATO controlled nuclear weapon - the next POTUS may not want to help us in a couple of years…

[Flyboy]

My finger are itching to write a reply, however since this is not a political forum i don't
It would be (in many respects) great if Europe could come to a combined foreign affairs and defence policy. In order to get there a common fiscal policy would be required and given the current sentiments in various countries in Europe I am afraid that this is a bridge to far.

For the time being I am happy with the freedom of travel in Europe, so we can commit to our hobby.

[orange]

Apparently the Bulgarian prime minister is opposing the deployment of NATO jets to his country. So we will have to see if this deployment will actually happen. The man is a Putin/Russia supporter, so that explains his reasoning.

I think you refer to the former prime minister? There should be a new one now which is more NATO-friendly IIRC.

Anyways, if he wants to block a NATO Bulgarian Air Policing mission he should be quick, as two A400M and an A310 flight from Spain have already brought the necessary ppl and material for the four Eurofighters that will arrive at Graf Ignatievo this week.

[Hurricane]

My finger are itching to write a reply, however since this is not a political forum i don't

In this topic you can share all kind of thoughts (within reason).

For the time being I am happy with the freedom of travel in Europe, so we can commit to our hobby.

Indeed one of the benefits of Europe