What weapons is Russia deploying in Syria?

(Baonghean.vn) - CNN said that although Russia announced it had withdrawn most of its forces from Syria, the country is still maintaining a significant presence at a military base near Latakia.

According to this source, many weapons and equipment have been withdrawn, and some other types have been added. The above news channel has reviewed the key combat weapons of Russia in Syria:

Su-34 bomber

Two Russian Su-34s at the Hmeymim base in northern Syria on May 4.

- Su-34 is Russia's most modern bomber. The cockpit is fully digitalized and larger than other military aircraft, meeting the requirements for long-duration missions.

- Su-34 is used to bomb ground targets. It can carry bombs and ammunition with a very large payload - about 8 tons of weapons.

- CNN confirmed that there were at least 6 Su-34s at Hmeymim airbase and some of them were loaded with bombs to carry out combat missions.

Su-24 fighter

Russian Su-24 aircraft at Hmeymim airbase in Syria on May 4.

- The Su-24 carries out the majority of Russia's bombing missions in Syria. Like the Su-34, this is a fighter jet designed to attack targets on the ground.

- The Su-24 was developed during the Cold War and has been in use since the 1980s.

- In Syria, the Russian air force uses a modernized version of the aircraft with an upgraded targeting system. Last year, a Su-24 crashed after being shot down by a Turkish fighter jet, causing trouble between NATO and Russia.

- CNN said it saw more than 10 Su-24s at Hmeymim airbase, many of which were taking off on short missions.

Su-35 fighter jet

A Su-35 takes off from Hmeymim base on May 4.

- The deployment of Su-35s to Syria is a consequence of Türkiye's shooting down of a Russian Su-24 last year.

- Su-35 is an advanced fighter used in combat with enemy aircraft.

- In Syria, Russia often uses Su-35s to protect the safety of fighter jets on duty.

- Although the Su-35 cockpit has only one seat, its advanced technology and aiming system are enough to fight several aircraft simultaneously.

- CNN saw 6 Su-35s at Hmeymim base.

Mi-28 helicopter

A Mi-28 military helicopter flies over the Kremlin cathedral in Moscow on May 7, 2014.

- The Mi-28 is the newest member of the Russian air force in Syria. This is a heavily armed aircraft, with 2 seats with many guided missiles and machine guns located under the cockpit.

- The Mi-28 has only been in Syria for a short time, but one has already crashed near Homs, central Syria. Details of the incident are still under investigation, but the Russian Defense Ministry recently said it believes the pilot was partly at fault for the accident that killed both crew members.

- CNN said it saw Mi-28s continuously roaring in the sky at Hmeymim base, but the exact number of this type of aircraft in Syria is unknown.

Mi-24 transport helicopter

Mi-24 during a military exercise on May 7, 2015 in Russia.

- Mi-24 is one of Russia's most famous fighter jets. In Syria, Mi-24 is often used to support Syrian ground targets, attacking opposition forces with powerful weapons.

- The Mi-24 has a variety of unguided missiles and a powerful gun. It has a crew of two - a pilot and a weapons operator - but can also carry several more people.

- Rebel footage in Syria shows Mi-24s fighting in many towns in the country.

- The Mi-24 was put into use in the 1970s and was widely used in Afghanistan. The Russians are currently using an upgraded version of this aircraft in Syria.

Military power

In addition to the main fighter jets above, CNN also confirmed seeing more transport planes and tanks, armored vehicles as well as surface-to-air missile systems, showing that Russia still maintains a significant military presence in the Syrian conflict.

Phu Binh

(According to CNN)