Topic: Pavel Androsov

Russia is betting big on its aging but more potent than ever strategic bomber force well into the 21st century. A senior air commander has revealed that all three main long-range bombers in the Kremlin's arsenal would be extensively modernized and upgraded this year.

Russia's front-line long-range strategic nuclear bombers have carried out a new series of major weeklong exercises, the Russian air force announced last week.

"The uproar in the press about Russian strategic bombers' flyover of the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz is beyond me," said General of the Army Pyotr Deinekin, a former commander in chief of Russia's air force, 1991-1998, and Hero of Russia.

The Russian Air Force has launched long-range air patrol rehearsal missions in its northern region, a leading commander said Wednesday.

Russian bombers have made 70 patrols over the country's borders since August, the air force commander of strategic services said Tuesday.

A military spokesman said Russian air force strategic bombers would conduct a series of long-range training flights through Friday.

On the surface, Russia's $200 billion re-armament program looks ominous and formidable. The reality is rather less impressive and could affect the Kremlin succession to Vladimir Putin.