Tu-160 Blackjacks expected in SA today

[skydancer]

So two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers arrive this evening ...

An-124 is landing now, Il-76 arrived earlier.

[skydancer]

So two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers arrive this evening ...

An-124 is landing now, Il-76 arrived earlier.

I see the An-124 landed few minutes ago. Would be interesting to know what the occasion is for this visit.

[skydancer]

" air arsenal"

Of course, the Blackjacks were here in October 2019, so not "the first to ever land on the African continent."

[African Flyer]

I hope someone can film the TU-160's arrival

[dollar]

Hopefully they are suitably nervous? The Ukraine has probably read the letter by now and what nice big, juicy military targets they must think Given our superior counter intelligence services it may not be such a long shot (pun) to imagine that they may give it a try

[African Flyer]

Does anyone know what time the Tupolevs will arrive?
Do they appear on FR24?

[Snitch]

Does anyone know what time the Tupolevs will arrive?
Do they appear on FR24?

No and No

[Christopher]

Both India and South Africa being members of The Commonwealth, it seems <to me> (British as I am) almost contradictary or disloyal that these two countries should be so hand-in-glove with the (dreaded) Russians, these days. Anyone else agree?

[0031003]

Department of Defence Media Statement || Tuesday, 29 October 2024 || The SA Air Force host the visiting Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation over period 29 October to 02 November 2024.

Media Statement by Department of Defence || Head of Communication.

#SANDF
#HOC
#SAAirForce
#FreeTheEagle

[kaapie]

Both India and South Africa being members of The Commonwealth, it seems <to me> (British as I am) almost contradictary or disloyal that these two countries should be so hand-in-glove with the (dreaded) Russians, these days. Anyone else agree?

Love the fact that the Russians are here. Regarding the Commonwealth, that relic of the British Empire, that can be discarded in the trash bin of history.
The Empire is dead long live the Federation of Russia and Brics.

[Sardine]

Saw the IL-76 departing Waterkloof nice and early this morning. At about 05:50.
Looked beautiful in the morning light with its smokey trail.

[dollar]

Confirmed: The arrival of the Tupolev Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ strategic bombers of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation to South Africa has been postponed.

[Walter105]

Confirmed: The arrival of the Tupolev Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ strategic bombers of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation to South Africa has been postponed.

They probably read this thread and decided it's a security issue...

[African Flyer]

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/ ... uncertain/

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article ... takes-off/

[Christopher]

<...that relic of the British Empire, that can be discarded in the trash bin of history. The Empire is dead long live the Federation of Russia and Brics>

I wasn't talking about Empire at all: today's Commonwealth, as Queen Elizabeth made very clear when she was alive -- and she was immensely proud of it -- was about mutual benefit and trade...and presumably some degree of loyalty might be inferred? And as for "the trash bin", there have been immeasurable benfits to countries that were formerly colonies (parliamentary government, hospitals, schools, roads, etcetera, etcetera). Why do you drag up such old, tired thoughts?