Moscow’s response to the loss of one of its Sukhoi Su-24 strike aircraft during an incident near the Turkish border with Syria on 24 November has included the deployment of S-400 surface-to-air missiles.
Confirmation of the Almaz-Antey-produced system’s arrival in Syria is a concern for other nations involved in tackling Islamic State militants in the nation, as it can engage airborne targets from a range of up to 216nm (400km). Major activity is being conducted by allies including the USA and France, with foreign sources indicating Israeli involvement in parts of the country.
Including ground-based radars, missile launchers and command posts, the S-400 system is capable of hitting tactical and strategic aircraft, as well as targeting ballistic and cruise missiles. It is used solely by the Russian military. Israeli sources have described its addition to the Syrian theatre of operations as a “game changer”.
One Russian pilot was killed when a Turkish air force Lockheed Martin F-16 shot down his Su-24 with an air-to-air missile. The aircraft’s other crew member was rescued by Russian special forces personnel, following an airborne and land operation lasting several hours.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
