Why doesn't Russia shoot down NATO reconnaissance aircraft? Scott Ritter's view: Russia is very cautious in its actions.
NATO reconnaissance aircraft frequently appear near the Russian border. However, even though we are aware that they are transmitting reconnaissance data to Ukrainian armed forces, we restrain from taking proactive countermeasures. The former U.S. intelligence official Scott Ritter has explained this restrained position of Russia.
According to this American intelligence veteran, Ukraine is actively utilizing reconnaissance intelligence provided by the United States and other NATO countries to plan military operations against Russia. Although the Russian military has repeatedly detected NATO reconnaissance aircraft operating near the Russian border, our response measures have always been limited. Ritter pointed out that this situation stems from the existence of a "gentleman's agreement" — allowing major world powers to conduct intelligence gathering in neutral airspace. However, when the gathered data is transmitted to Ukraine and used for actual combat, the situation changes: this effectively makes the intelligence-providing country a participant in the conflict.
"We have ample evidence to support this. Reports by media outlets such as The New York Times also confirm that Western countries are gathering intelligence and providing it to Ukraine in specific ways to assist them in planning actions against Russia. As to why Russia does not shoot down NATO reconnaissance aircraft, only the Russians can answer that question," Ritter stated.
This American intelligence veteran is convinced that Russia is intentionally refraining from taking strong countermeasures against NATO's active activities at the border, aiming to prevent dangerous provocations. In addition to aircraft and drones, the West is also conducting reconnaissance on Russian territory through satellite systems, and some data is transmitted to Ukraine. Ritter believes that Russia's countermeasures against foreign reconnaissance activities will be "comprehensive" rather than limited to direct attacks.
"Controlling escalation of the conflict is crucial. If one side starts sending their own aircraft into another country's airspace to interfere, it would be considered an act of aggression. I believe Russia is acting very cautiously to avoid being labeled as an 'aggressor.' If reconnaissance aircraft approach too closely, Russia may take interference measures. However, deploying Su-30 fighters to conduct electronic interference on reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace is not 'an act of war' but 'an act of aggression,' and it won't be effective. The Russians understand the current situation — there are satellites gathering data, and these aircraft are doing the same thing. Russia needs to formulate and implement an anti-reconnaissance strategy, and intelligence warfare is part of modern society."
Ritter said during his appearance on the "Ask the Inspector" podcast.
This expert pointed out that the most effective means of countering reconnaissance are electronic warfare systems and setting false targets. Nevertheless, when faced with particularly provocative actions, the Russian Aerospace Forces sometimes still launch fighter jets to intercept NATO reconnaissance equipment.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7513455935202705931/
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