Russian Pilots Remain Calm In Mideast Skies After Pentagon’s ‘Name-and-Shame’ Effort

Russia’s planes are not provoking US fighter jets over Syria anymore. The Russian pilots are now chilling in the Mideast skies.

Rusian Pilots [Photo: Defense One]

Russian Pilots Chill Time in Mideast Skies

SOURCE– Russia’s planes are not provoking US fighter jets over Syria anymore. Lt. General Alexus Grynkewich told Defense One that the Russian warplanes are trying to dogfight US fighter jets. He added that after more incidents of aggression- including the harassment of MQ-9 drones, the Air Force sent F-22s in July to the Mideast. He added that Russia’s behavior is still unprofessional, but it is safe.

Also, the United States sent F-35s, F-16s, and a Navy destroyer to the Mideast this summer. It will be used to monitor Iranian activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attempted to seize commercial shipping vessels. General Grynkewich said that these moves deterred Iran from another action against maritime shipping.

General Grynkewich said that monitoring Iran and other hostile groups deters escalation, United States can stay focused on China- its primary competitor. He added that the US is not looking for conflict with Iran but looking to deter that conflict to keep things de-escalated. He warned that China’s army could expand in the Mideast, as the country depends on the region for its natural gas and oil. China is looking to strengthen economic ties through efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative. General Grynkewich said that where economic interests begin, military interest follows.

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