Where's the Escort?

We’ve discussed the highly aggressive (unsafe) intercepts performed by Russian aircraft against US ships and planes.  Yet another one has just occurred with a Russian fighter intercepting a P-8 Poseidon in an unsafe manner by passing within 10 ft of the US aircraft (1). 

Of course, there’s always a chorus of cries for more restraint and appeasement by the timid crowd.  Apparently, there’s no amount of provocation that will elicit a reaction from these people – but that’s not the point of this post.

The point is, where’s the US escort for a high value unit like the Poseidon?  This is our newest and most capable maritime patrol aircraft.  Do we really want to risk having it forced down and captured by Russia, to be stripped of all secrets as happened to the EP-3 that was forced down, seized, and stripped by the Chinese a few years ago?  Doesn’t basic common sense suggest that a high value unit like the P-8 have a protective escort readily available?

P-8 Poseidon - We're Going To Lose One

I’m not suggesting that the escort instantly fire on any Russian aircraft it sees but there can’t be anything wrong with exhibiting some aggressive intercept flying of our own on any approaching Russian aircraft. 

I’ll repeat my past call.  Let’s respond or leave.  If we’re not going to protect our own forces then let’s leave the disputed areas.  There is absolutely no point to having military forces in a region if we absolutely refuse to take action no matter the provocation.

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(1)CBS News website, “Russian jet flies within 10 ft of US Navy aircraft”, Associated Press, 7-Sep-2016,

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-fighter-jet-flies-within-feet-us-navy-aircraft/

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