Why is Russia sending bombers close to U.S. airspace?

[uhnope]

(CNN)Two Russian bombers intercepted by U.S. fighter jets off the California coast on July Fourth could be seen as having raised a metaphorical middle finger to the United States.

"Good morning, American pilots. We are here to greet you on your Fourth of July Independence Day," they said, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

July Fourth message not the first from Russian bombers

U.S. fighters also intercepted two other Russian Tu-95 bombers the same day off the southern coast of Alaska. In both instances, American fighter jets flew up to intercept the Russian bombers, and the aircraft turned away.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/27/world/us-russia-bombers-intentions/

[GeorgeGist]

1. Why?To yank our chain.

I'm not falling for it.

[uhnope]

2. given the relative silence from the WH on this incident,

they're not falling for Puin's childish games either.

[HereSince1628]

3. imo, mostly to show they can

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. Trolling Sarah Palin.

[Brother Buzz]

5. So we can admire the wicked cool contra-rotating props on the Tu-95 (Bear) Russian bombers?

[Purveyor]

7. You might like this: RARE | Tupolev Tu-95MS Inflight | HD

[Brother Buzz]

13. wicked cool!

[Takket]

6. testing reaction time?

[zappaman]

8. There passing by on their way to blow up the moon?

[ornotna]

9. Bears have been doing this off and on to the US Navy for 50 years

They get close, we chase them away.

[jberryhill]

10. This has been going on for ages

For shits & giggles mostly. And to see what electronic systems light up.

[Katashi_itto]

11. Meh. I remember the flagship I was attached to USS MT Whitney getting buzzed by Bears.

They passed so close. So damn close we could give each other the finger. Happens often.

[YoungDemCA]

12. Someone should ask Snowden. nt