The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

[KarotheGreat]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Armenian PM to Meet Putin for Talks on Deeper Economic Ties

Published: Thursday February 26, 2009

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan will lead a delegation of top government officials Friday on a one day working visit to Moscow for high level talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and other government and business leaders, the government's press office reported Thursday.

Sargsyan's delegation will include members of government whose ministries' control Armenia's energy resources, transport and communication infrastructure, and financial and banking system.

The trip will focus on strengthening economic relations, Sargsyan's office said, adding that the Prime Minister's meetings would also expand “the mutually beneficial and promising cooperation in a number of spheres.”

Russia currently controls most of the strategically vital sectors of Armenia's economy, owning the rights to manage its railway and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as its natural resources and energy.

Russian investors have snatched up Armenian mining companies, gaining the rights to exploit the country's natural resources. Meanwhile, nearly 80 percent of Armenia's energy system is also estimated to be under Russian control, with Russia maintaining control over the Hrazdan hydropower plant, one of the largest in the South Caucasus. Armenia depends on Russia for nuclear fuel and technological support for its existing nuclear power station, which is managed by the Russian company UES.

The Prime Minister's talks with Putin will be followed by meetings with the Russian Transport Minister, the Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, the Russian Central Bank President. Sargsyan will also meet with a number of Russian businessmen, as well as the Armenian Ambassador in Russia, ArmRadio reported.

http://www.asbarez.com/#AMC=Open&ASBSC=Closed

[KarotheGreat]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

CIS, CSTO to sign cooperation agreement

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The CIS Executive Committee and CSTO Secretariat are planning to sign a cooperation agreement to avoid duplication of activities.

“Both CIS and CSTO charters fixed strengthening of peace, regional and international security as objectives. In this format, both structures can find a common ground for interaction,” said Toksatyn Buzubayev, deputy chairman of the CIS Executive Committee.

The cooperation will include consultations, exchange of documentation and work plans and development of proposals and recommendations, according to him.

“Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan’s position is not known yet. However, these countries are likely to have a different opinion on the issue,” Buzubayev said, reported the press office of the CIS Executive Committee.

http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=28979

[Eddo211]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Eddo,

The -35 number has been assigned twice by Sukhoi to 2 different aircraft(yes, it is confusing). The one in your video is the older Su-35 model which did not go into production. The newer Su-35 is also based on the same Su-27 aircraft but is very much different than the old -35. There are no canards, the airframe has been lightened by a couple of tons, new engines, new avionics, new powerfull radar (IRBIS), etc.etc. More info on the aircraft at the manufacturers website were you will find a movie as well http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/products/military/su-35.wbp

From your avatar I am guessing you may be an airplane crewmember and know a thing or two about aircraft, but for the benefit of other forum members, I will try to keep the Su-35 vs F-22 comparison as simple and basic as possible.

The F-22 Raptor is so far the only 5th generation combat aircraft in service in the world. It is stealthier (low visibility to radars) and more capable than anything else. It is exactly the type of weapon that the USA needs to beat/subdue/conquer smaller nations in its grandiose policy of exporting its own version of democracy(ideology) and/or to control natural reserves (oil, etc.)...Serbia in 1999 and Iraq in 2003 are just some of the latest examples. In case of a future USA expedition...lets take Iran for example, the F-22 will spearhead the forces that will demolish the Iranian air defense assets and make possible an aerial bombardment of that country with the minimum amount of losses to the attacking aircraft.
Of course, it is not invincible and can be beaten by a clever opponent that posessses the right tools and uses the correct tactics.

The drawbacks of the F-22 are its excessive cost (many times more expensive than other aircraft) and the high amount of special servicing, crew/technician training and special storage required in order to maintain full effectivness of its sytems and stealth characteristics. Only 189 are being acquired by the USAF and probably none will be exported to countries like Israel or Japan. It is very likely that production will cease with the 189th unit delivered and, a few years later, the whole fleet may be mothballed when the smaller, simpler and slightly less capable F-35 enters service.

The Su-35 on the other hand, is a 4+++ Generation aircraft, it is a very impressive aircraft as far as performance, maneuvrability and weaponry (still a secret) is concerned. But it has very minimal stealth characteristic and has to rely on its suppressive weapons and electronics in order to be able to penetrate enemy airspace. Its main role is defensive, thus it conforms to Russia's "defense of homeland" policy. It has very long range (better than F-22) and can defend huge expenses of territory (where stealth is not crucial because it will have its powerfull search radar switched on most of the time).

Later on this year, the Russians will reveal their own 5th generation fighter. The program codename is PAK-FA. We know next to nothing about it. Some say it is an F-22 beater, others believe that is in the same class as the F-35. Anyways, first flight is scheduled for this year and the first units will enter squadron service somewhere around 2015. India, who is financially contributing to the program, will also receive a downgraded version of the PAK-FA.

ZORAVAR

The Raptor is not just stealthier, damn thing is completely stealth. It has a Radar signature of a flying goose. Even the most powerful Russian jamming device that would fry your eggs (and your nuts) to a sizzle cannot interrupt Raptors sophisticated radar tracking system (Why you think it cost so much). The SU sticks out like soar thumb on the Radar screen and its powerful Russian detection Radar is useless against the YF-22. The Raptor can be operated with minimum ground crew without much maintenance flying out of no larger than normal size runway. The Stealth is a design feature that requires little if any maintenance. As far as mothballing, that is a Russian pipe dream. The F-14 Tomcats are just now being decommissioned. The Raptor is here to stay for long time.
The F-35 that you mentioned is a carrier based Aircraft designed for US Navy however the Air force and the Marine will have their own retrofitted as required. Three variants are planned: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A for the USAF; the Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B for the U.S. Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy (RN); and the carrier-based (CV) F-35C for the U.S. Navy (USN).
The F-35, expected to be ready for service in 2011, is scheduled to begin replacing USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II's and F-16's in 2011, and Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and USN F/A-18s in 2012.

Now that is one cool Helmet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11304375@N07/1937831204/

Scroll down for pictures

http://www.aviationexplorer.com/F-35_facts.html

I am not here to defend US foreign policies but I can tell you that those days of nation building and spreading the gift of Democracy is over. The poorly executed Neoconservative agendas (Democracy breaking the door down) without understanding the cultures of whom they are dealing with has come to an end. Oil however is a different story.

Check out the Vector thrust. This is wild.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/f-22-raptor5.htm

[ZORAVAR]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Eddo,

The -35 number has been assigned twice by Sukhoi to 2 different aircraft(yes, it is confusing). The one in your video is the older Su-35 model which did not go into production. The newer Su-35 is also based on the same Su-27 aircraft but is very much different than the old -35. There are no canards, the airframe has been lightened by a couple of tons, new engines, new avionics, new powerfull radar (IRBIS), etc.etc. More info on the aircraft at the manufacturers website were you will find a movie as well http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/products/military/su-35.wbp

From your avatar I am guessing you may be an airplane crewmember and know a thing or two about aircraft, but for the benefit of other forum members, I will try to keep the Su-35 vs F-22 comparison as simple and basic as possible.

The F-22 Raptor is so far the only 5th generation combat aircraft in service in the world. It is stealthier (low visibility to radars) and more capable than anything else. It is exactly the type of weapon that the USA needs to beat/subdue/conquer smaller nations in its grandiose policy of exporting its own version of democracy(ideology) and/or to control natural reserves (oil, etc.)...Serbia in 1999 and Iraq in 2003 are just some of the latest examples. In case of a future USA expedition...lets take Iran for example, the F-22 will spearhead the forces that will demolish the Iranian air defense assets and make possible an aerial bombardment of that country with the minimum amount of losses to the attacking aircraft.
Of course, it is not invincible and can be beaten by a clever opponent that posessses the right tools and uses the correct tactics.

The drawbacks of the F-22 are its excessive cost (many times more expensive than other aircraft) and the high amount of special servicing, crew/technician training and special storage required in order to maintain full effectivness of its sytems and stealth characteristics. Only 189 are being acquired by the USAF and probably none will be exported to countries like Israel or Japan. It is very likely that production will cease with the 189th unit delivered and, a few years later, the whole fleet may be mothballed when the smaller, simpler and slightly less capable F-35 enters service.

The Su-35 on the other hand, is a 4+++ Generation aircraft, it is a very impressive aircraft as far as performance, maneuvrability and weaponry (still a secret) is concerned. But it has very minimal stealth characteristic and has to rely on its suppressive weapons and electronics in order to be able to penetrate enemy airspace. Its main role is defensive, thus it conforms to Russia's "defense of homeland" policy. It has very long range (better than F-22) and can defend huge expenses of territory (where stealth is not crucial because it will have its powerfull search radar switched on most of the time).

Later on this year, the Russians will reveal their own 5th generation fighter. The program codename is PAK-FA. We know next to nothing about it. Some say it is an F-22 beater, others believe that is in the same class as the F-35. Anyways, first flight is scheduled for this year and the first units will enter squadron service somewhere around 2015. India, who is financially contributing to the program, will also receive a downgraded version of the PAK-FA.

[Eddo211]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

[/IMG]

Sukhoi confirms Su-35 deliveries to Russian Air Force in 2011

MOSCOW, February 19 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker confirmed on Thursday that the advanced Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter would enter service with the Russian Air Force in 2011.

"The current progress of the Su-35 testing program confirms the earlier announced timeframe for the deliveries of the aircraft to Russian and foreign customers in 2011," the company said in a statement.

The first two Su-35 prototypes have successfully conducted 87 flights since July 2008, demonstrating the aircraft's superior technical and combat characteristics. (Russia's Su-35 fighter makes first demonstration flight - Image Gallery)

Sukhoi is planning to add a Russia's Su-35 fighter to the testing program in 2009, and boost the current number of test flights to 150-160.

The Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft features the new Irbis-E radar with a phased antenna array, which allows the pilot to detect and track up to 30 air targets, while simultaneously engaging up to eight targets.

It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds and can carry up to eight tons of combat payload on 12 external mounts. (VIDEO)

The company earlier said it planned to produce the new aircraft, billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology," over a period of 10 years up to 2020.

The company is expecting to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters in the future to a number of countries, including India, Malaysia and Algeria.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090219/120219966.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The head of Sukhoi is no other than Mikhail POGOSYAN. He has beem recently appointed as chairman of the UAC which also owns MiG.

ZORAVAR

Hey Zorovar, some of my data does not match yours but it doesn't matter....the information released on these fighters are never fully correct.

This Aircraft is unbelievable. One of the most maneuverable fighter jets ever designed. In my opinion flown by a right pilot it can be a problem for YF-22 (US stealth fighter).

http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/su-35_flanker.pl

Some features are an integrated in-flight refueling probe, provisions for ECM (Electronic Counter Measure) pods, powerful engines, Two Saturn/Lyulka AL-37F afterburning turbofan engines rated at 30,865 lb each with afterburner and with variable vector thrust (awesome, just like the YF-22), forward and rear-facing Phazotron radar systems capable of tracking 24 targets up to 62 miles (YF-22 Radar is better) over uneven terrain. An additional auxiliary internal reserve fuel tank has been added to the tail fins as well (I have never seen this…Tip to enemy engaging. Aim at the tail with guns, if you get that close). The xxxxpit features updated color CRT and HUD displays and digital fly-by-wire featuring a quadruple redundant system capable of finding four different ways for the computer to achieve the pilots requested control action (It means it can keep flying after taking heavy battle damage). It has the ability to recover from a complete fully developed flat inverted spin (due to forward canards…triangular looking things just behind the xxxxpit).

Speed: Mach 2.3 (1550 MPH)
Service ceiling (Max Altitude): 59000 Ft
Range: 4000 Miles (Impressive)

So far there have been 12 made.

Check out the video

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-J87Pamv6G5o/sukhoi_su_35/

SU-35 Vs YF-22 ?????

I take the Raptor


Completely stealth and the ability to take out targets before they even suspect or see anything on their radars. In a dogfight, well it will depend on who is a better pilot. All I gotta say is that the SU better not loose sight of the Raptor…..for it will be all she wrote.

[ZORAVAR]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Russian Steel: Potentials found in few other places, in today's world

A combination of economic and political factors has swung heavily in the favor of Russian steel production and now offers Europe and to a smaller extent, North America, an opportunity worth pursuing and capitalizing on.

The first true Russian steel/iron works and forge shops date back to the late 1600s and Peter the Great's reforms. That gives Russian steel production a history of over 350 years. Production continued to expand and increase in quality for the duration of that period and now offers some of the highest quality material in the world. Furthermore, as the late 1990s and 2000s progressed, Russian steel output grew very quickly, making Russia the 3rd largest producer of steel, speciality steel and semi and fully finished steel products. Steel and steel components, both forged and cast, are Russia's biggest exports, after petro chemicals.

As the Bank Panic of 2008 and the Economic Collapse of 2009 proceed, Russian open capacity sky rocketed. A large portion of Western European demand disappeared and internal credit crunch conditions have created a lot of work that can not be done without payment upfront. Russian steel mills and metal works have, unlike the West, not responded by mass layoffs but have cut every one's hours to half or less. This gives them the ability to very quickly upscale production, without having to go through a rehiring process. Further, Russian steel prices have come down heavily, both due to a heavy drop in the cost of steel, a lack of demand and the devaluation of the ruble. Add to this, the Medvedev government's decision to loan, at zero percent interest, large sums of money to retool heavy industry, and Russia offers potentials found in few other places, in today's world.

Russia has it all in the steel business: location, quality, price, stability. There will always be a market for steel. Structures, utensils, weapons and vehicles will always be needed. Russia is totally able to handle delivery of the product. In fact, it was surprising to learn that Russia owns 10% of US steel, a very interesting fact. Severstal bought River Rouge Steel in Michigan, near Detroit. It seems Russia was able to return the favour of coming in to buy cheap in today's market. The dollar has lost nearly 15 percent of its value against the Russian ruble in the last two years.

What is most important is the economic stability offered without the maniacal lust for profit at any cost. So instead of doing like in the west where everyone gets the pink slip, hours are merely cut, leaving the workers in place to gear up at a moment's notice and more than happy to do so. It's a win-win situation under the pressure of the global economic crisis.
Bottom line is that Russia can be relied upon. The west is sunk in financial collapse, China has its problems as does India. So look to Russia. Russians do it better.

http://www.moscowtopnews.com/?area=postView&id=653

[Illuminator]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Sorry jgk3, somehow the text I wrote got deleted while I was editing it.

ANyways, this was your post below:



And this was my reply before part of the text got lost somehow:

This is good to see posted here, very true.

[jgk3]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Finally, just to illustrate your post further. While fighting Chechen radicals or pushing back Georgian troops, the often heard battcry of young Russian soldiers was: HRISTOS VASKRYES (Christ has risen).

Much better than the godlessness portrayed by most modern armies I'd say

[ZORAVAR]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Even though you cut off here in your post at the end, I guess I understand what the remainder would've been. Yes, Russians who do truly care about protecting their nation from outside threat will continue to vote for Putin and Medvedev, for good reason. I guess I have to see for myself if this sentiment is shared by most Russians throughout their vast nation, or if it's namely in certain population centers/regions. I guess at the moment I will have to take your word for it and that of others who know Russians in Russia, and not so much that of RT or BBC.

Sorry jgk3, somehow the text I wrote got deleted while I was editing it.

ANyways, this was your post below:

I do see some strategies coming out of Putin however... endorsing the Russian Orthodox Church. Cynics call such religious institutions as an "opium" for the people, however, in my eyes, I think that though it is in the interests of the state to keep Russians optimistic through religion, and if they Russian people succeed through these difficult times, they will be able to reap the benefits in the future as survivors of this Western onslaught to finally seize their nation's resources and put them back under their own globalistic/neo-mercantilistic orbit. I consider my attitude to this as recognizing the good out of a far from ideal form of leadership out of a nation as I do not agree the civilization today has been reduced to men living solely based on economic considerations. I could only wish that a truly spiritual consciousness will arise in Russians as this transcends the economic threats and demotivation thrown at them by the modern West. I will be considering the statistics on alcoholism as indicative of any such spiritual and disciplinary improvements.

And this was my reply before part of the text got lost somehow:

I share your views and strongly agree with these points.
Would like to add the following: I know many Russian and I speak a little bit of Russian (learned it by myself). They remember too well the dark 90's, the privatizations, the promises (lies) of the West an NATO etc.etc. The Georgia war is also a recent memory. They have voted for Putin/Medvedev not because of the improving economy and living standard, but because of pride, patriotism etc. Russians went back to basics and looked at their history, heritage, culture...all these meant much more than living standards and consumerism. And yes, they are also embracing back religion, they call themselves ORTHODOX Christians.

Finally, just to illustrate your post further. While fighting Chechen radicals or pushing back Georgian troops, the often heard battcry of young Russian soldiers was: HRISTOS VASKRYES (Christ has risen).

ZORAVAR

[jgk3]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Thank you for your encouragement Anon and Zoravar, I don't engage in these discussions often, at least not very deeply, so I'm trying my hand here. Now I'll address Zoravar's response:

Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but I am getting the impression that you are thinking of Russia as some kind of Saudi Arabia who's wealth and economy is primarily dependent on oil exports and the price of oil.
That is so far from the truth, Russia's economy is far more diversified than you think it is (maybe you should take a trip there to see). As a matter of fact, oil and gas only contribute to 5.7% of Russia's GDP.

Yes, oil, natural gas, metals, and timber account for more than 80% of Russian exports. But these constitute only a small fraction (5.7%) of their economy.

As for what measures they are taking to weather the economic crisis and how well they will work...we can all speculate here as much as we want. It is too early to pass judgement.
We all hope for the best.

I'm under the assumption though that the revenues from the oil industry in particular is what enables Russia to partake in funding its vast military modernization program. Russia operates like a business in this sense, drawing revenues directly from its lucrative nationalized industries. They have created their reserves this way. The question is, how will they be using their reserves during the black years to come? To infuse into their economy or to continue funding their much necessary military projects or both? I am not worried about how they will spend for their military, I'm concerned with how they will spend for their domestic economy. Will they be making socialized programs, keeping jobs alive that have no proportionate demand to give them any real capital producing aspect to exist? Or will they be spending it on modernizing their much backwards, soviet-era (and sometimes even Stalin era) level infrustructure for their local industries which supposedly account for the 90% of the GDP suggested by your statistics, for example their iron smelting factories in places like Magnitogorsk so that they can produce at a competitive level in the longrun, whilst creating more jobs for Russians?

I think you are giving too much credit to the "Western elite"...as if they are some kind of Gods (from the Greek mythology) controlling people and nations. Regardless whether they are people or a system: they are not Gods, they are not infallible, they can be wrong, and their plans do not always succeed...they can also backfire and blow up against their face.

You're right, they are very fallible, however I am not counting on the fallibility of Russia's opposition, that is dangerous thinking. Also, on a less serious note, concerning your association with the Greek Gods, it is not the humans which were considered fallible, but the Gods who were almighty. You can recount several instances of this in Greek mythology :P

But for a moment, let us assume that it is indeed this "Anglo-American elite" that has started this economic crisis with the aim of weakening Russia and/or China: what have they achieved so far?

-They screwed up the average American citizen more than anybody else in the world. A sizable chunk of the US population is in negative equity situation (Canadians, Europeans, Russians, Chinese are faring somewhat better). And I am not yet talking about US industry (Car manufacturers, Banks etc.)...

-Some countries are already bankrupt or on the verge of bankrupcy (Iceland, Ukraine, Hungary, Latvia...) most are ruled by pro-"Western elite" governments (puppets).

-The Russians that lost the most so far are no other than the oligarchs (Abramovich, Deripaska etc.) who lost the lion's share of the wealth they had accumulated during and after the demise of the SU. As we all know most of these oligarch are of xxxish decent...

And I can go on and on.

This Machiavelic plan (if there is such a plan at all) of the West has so far caused mainly self mutilation.
Russia is hurt too and no doubt will be hurt further...but not to the same extent as the US and Europe.

If indeed such a malicious plan with long term diabolic goals has been put in action, I wish it fails sooner rather than later with the minimum damage caused to everyone.

I understand what you're trying to say. I'm still somewhat skeptical about Russia being at a comparative advantage in this crisis, even if they are slower hit. They managed their decisive victory in Georgia at a time when they were still in their boom periods, greatly enhancing their national security in the process. Now, can they keep it, and can they have the power to embark on similar necessary feats should they arise in the future? So far they are doing quite well on neutralizing potential Georgias around their borders, except perhaps in Eastern Europe, where tensions are very real and alive. I need to see the outcome of this in the next few years before I'm convinced that Russia can really hold its own despite the global financial threat going on.

I share your views and strongly agree with these points.
Would like to add the following: I know many Russian and I speak a little bit of Russian (learned it by myself). They remember too well the dark 90's, the privatizations, the promises (lies) of the West an NATO etc.etc. The Georgia war is also a recent memory. They have voted for Putin/Medvedev not because of the improving economy and living standard, but because of a nu

Even though you cut off here in your post at the end, I guess I understand what the remainder would've been. Yes, Russians who do truly care about protecting their nation from outside threat will continue to vote for Putin and Medvedev, for good reason. I guess I have to see for myself if this sentiment is shared by most Russians throughout their vast nation, or if it's namely in certain population centers/regions. I guess at the moment I will have to take your word for it and that of others who know Russians in Russia, and not so much that of RT or BBC.