Syria is to deploy its first squadron of Sukhoi Su-27s as part of an arms deal with Russia valued at around $2 billion. The purchase may include Almaz S-300 (SA-10 Grumble) surface-to-air missiles.
Russian sources say the deal was concluded after Moscow gave up hope that Syria would settle its debt resulting from arms sales in the 1980s. Reports suggest this is as high as $6 billion.
Russia has resumed negotiations with Syria on new arms deals, after reaching an agreement that in future, Syria will supply adequate financial guarantees.
The Syrian air force operates around 20 RSK MiG-29s, 35 Mikoyan MiG-25s, 125 MiG-23s, 20 Sukhoi Su-24s, 100 Su-20/22s and 200 Mikoyan MiG-21s. Not all aircraft are in operation due to spares shortages and poor maintenance. The Su-27s may replace some MiG-25s.
Russia is also to sell older, fixed-site/semi-mobile versions of the S-300to Syria, which insists on the S-300PMU,which is mobile and has an improved anti-ballistic missile capability.
Source: Flight International
