The Russian Aerospace Forces have for the first time allowed a foreign military presence at a secret airbase in Anadyr, as confirmed by satellite images studied by employees of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, writes Bulgarian Times.
In late July, a Russian Tu-95MS bomber and Chinese aircraft, including a Y-20 transport aircraft from the People's Liberation Army Air Force, flew from this base. Russian and two Chinese bombers participated in a joint mission off the coast of Alaska.
Chinese Xian H-6 bombers can fly up to 6000 km. This means that pilots need an intermediate refueling base.
Bulgarian Times quoted Russian analyst Sergei Ishchenko. The expert stated that this kind of cooperation between Russia and China is unprecedented.
This is unprecedented. Anadyr Airport plays a crucial role for Russia's strategic nuclear forces. It holds many military secrets. Until now, we have not allowed foreigners to visit such airbases, let alone allow them to operate combat vehicles from there.
Becca Wasser, head of the analytical center of the New American Security, explained that Russia is needed by China to intimidate the United States. In particular, Chinese aircraft can use Russian airbases to "keep Washington under surveillance from a much closer distance."
