Russia warns of consequences if Israel attacks S-300 missiles Syria may soon receive
Russian military officials have warned Israel against launching airstrikes on S-300 air defense systems that Russia may transfer to Syria.
|
An Israeli F-16 fighter. Photo:Miltary |
"If Israel decides to attack the sites where S-300s are deployed, the consequences for all sides will be catastrophic," the daily said.CommentaryApril 23, citing statements by Russian defense officials.
The announcement comes amid reports that Russia may soon deliver the S-300 missile system to Syria. According to Kommersant, the system will likely be transported by air or sea to Syria to protect the airspace around the capital Damascus and important air bases.
Russia believes the move will help stabilize the situation in Syria, but some experts believe it will trigger a negative reaction from Israel, which regularly conducts airstrikes in Syria. These experts predict that Tel Aviv could launch missiles at S-300 sites as soon as they arrive in Syria, when Syrian soldiers are only just getting used to the system.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously affirmed that his country is no longer hindered in providing S-300 air defense missiles to Syria, especially after the airstrikes by the US, UK and France coalition on Damascus in the early morning of April 14.
During the seven-year Syrian civil war, Israel has publicly acknowledged carrying out 100 air strikes on targets in Syria, while remaining silent on allegations of hundreds of other attacks.Military expert Anna Ahronheim commented that if equipped with the S-300 system, Damascus' air defense capabilities would be significantly enhanced, posing a real threat to Tel Aviv fighter jets.
The 64N6E circular radar of the S-300PMU-2 variant can simultaneously detect 300 targets at a distance of up to 300 km, enough to help Syrian air defense forces detect Israeli fighters operating in Lebanese airspace and alert the entire system.
