Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Before Obama Visited Canada, Russian Bomber Did

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2009 2:42 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – On the day before President Obama’s recent visit to Canada, that nation’s warplanes turned back a Russian bomber, the National Post reports. The plane did not enter Canadian airspace, but the incident still alarmed officials, who have striven to enforce sovereignty. “When we see a Russian bear approaching Canadian air space, we meet them with an F-18,” said Defense Minister Peter MacKay.

A day after the Feb. 18 incident, Ottawa’s airspace was closed off to all traffic save Air Force One. The Russian jet was spotted by the US and Canada’s joint air-defense command, and fighter jets scrambled to intercept. A Russian official said the flight was planned; rejoined MacKay, “It was a strong coincidence, which we met.”

A Russian Tupolev-160 warplane was headed toward Canadian airspace ahead of President Obama's Feb. 19 visit to Ottawa. Canadian jets scrambled to meet the bomber, which turned back.
A Russian Tupolev-160 warplane was headed toward Canadian airspace ahead of President Obama's Feb. 19 visit to Ottawa. Canadian jets scrambled to meet the bomber, which turned back.   (AP Photo)
Russian bombers have long had a practice of skirting the airspace of various Western countries.
Russian bombers have long had a practice of skirting the airspace of various Western countries.   (AP Photo)
Peter MacKay, Canada's defense minister.
Peter MacKay, Canada's defense minister.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Our intention is very much to demonstrate our sovereignty, our capability to protect our territory, our airspace, our water, and our people in the Arctic and that includes our resources.
- Peter MacKay, Canadian Defense Minister

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Guest
Apr 7, 2009 8:16 PM CDT
haha, awesome.
Assassin
Feb 28, 2009 9:01 PM CST
Other than Vodka - Fuck Russia!
Guest
Feb 28, 2009 1:16 AM CST
Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full....

On the encounter
Canadian Press

"Strong coincidence" with Obama visit: Canada
Reuters

More on the Russia-Canada rivalry in the Arctic
Der Spiegel

World • Politics • US

 
Russia • Canada • fighter jet • scramble • Bear bomber • President Obama • air defense • intercept • NORAD • Peter MacKay

More Newser Stories

Plane Thief Wanted Air Force to Shoot Him Down

Canadian Plane Thief Nabbed on Mo. Highway After Wild Chase
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne