New York Times story adds that certain U.S. military officials are "unimpressed" by Russia's plans. One told the times that “these programs have long been in the works. They are not new plans.” As we noted here, http://www.forbes.com/beltway/2008/09/30/aerospace-defense-washington-biz-wash-cz_atg_0930beltway.html , President Bush recently signed a defense appropriations bill totaling $488 billion.

Just a shade over 10% of the US bill.

It is a drop in the bucket. The F-22 Raptor program is estimated by some to from $63 Billion to upwards of $150 Billion when it is all said and done, and the total fleet of aircraft stands at 183. Its predecessor numbers where about four times that, over 800 aircraft.

Russia has been stopped in its tracks by the economic meltdown and the cost of fuel. Putin will press on though. He seems to regard it as important that Russia hold the balance of power. Though with the number of countries with nuclear weapons, who knows.......