Russia shoots down 2 rockets attacking airbase in Syria

Russian air defense systems fired and destroyed two rockets launched by militants from northwestern Syria at the Hmeymim airbase.

Russian Pantsir-S1 complex fires. Photo: Sputnik.

An Islamist rebel group operating in Idlib province on December 27 fired a series of rockets at Russia's Hmeymim airbase in Syria's Latakia province, according to Almasdar News.

A Russian Pantsir air defense system stationed at the base detected the threat and quickly opened fire with artillery shells and radar-guided missiles, shooting down two of the rebel rockets. At least one rocket landed in the town of Jableh, located quite far from the base.

Russian air force helicopters are patrolling the area of ​​the town of Bidama in Idlib province, where rebel rockets were fired.

Pantsir-S1 is a combined air defense missile-gun system developed from the 2K22 Tunguska platform, with many new features and weapons added to deal with threats in the 21st century. The main task of Pantsir-S1 is to protect infrastructure and military structures, armored and mechanized infantry regiments, as well as long-range air defense systems such as the S-300 and S-400.

Russia shoots down two rockets attacking airbase in Syria

Pantsir-S1 practice destroying targets.

A Pantsir-S1 combat vehicle consists of two 30mm 2A38M automatic cannons with a firing rate of 5,000 rounds/minute, equipped with 1,500 high-explosive fragmentation or armor-piercing rounds with a maximum range of 4 km. In addition, the Pantsir-S1 also carries 12 short-range 57E6 missiles capable of destroying targets from 20 km away.

Russia began its military campaign in Syria in late September 2015. With the support of the Russian air force, the Syrian army has liberated 98% of the territory from terrorist groups over the past two years.

Despite partially withdrawing its forces from Syria, Russia still maintains a long-term presence at two bases, the port of Tartus and the Hmeymim airport, to carry out international missions in the future.

Location of Latakia and Idlib provinces, Syria. Graphics: BBC.

Syria's northwestern Idlib province is considered a hot spot for conflict, as it is home to many Islamist rebel groups such as Tahrir al-Sham, the Free Idlib Army and the US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

According to VNE