Russia upgrades S-300 missiles for Syria
The three S-300 systems that Russia provided to Syria's air defense all have more modern features than the original version.
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S-300PM-2 system transferred by Russia to Syria. Photo:Sputnik. |
The Russian Defense Ministry said the S-300PM-2 complexes that it transferred to Syria have been significantly upgraded with more modern radar stations, improved guidance radar systems and mobile command and control stations.IzvestiyaOctober 19, citing sources from the country's Ministry of Defense.
The launchers in these three S-300 complexes have also been upgraded, allowing the use of improved, more powerful missiles with longer ranges than traditional missiles, typically medium-range tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 250 km to destroy air targets.
Izvestiya said the S-300PM-2 systems equipped for Syria's air defense also have better resistance to interference, allowing them to operate well in electronic warfare conditions.
A source from the Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed that the S-300PM-2 complexes will only be operated by Russian experts, not Iranian officers as previously reported by Middle Eastern media.
Earlier this month, the Russian Ministry of Defense delivered three S-300PM systems with 24 launchers and more than 300 missiles to the Syrian army for free. This is considered Russia's response to the Israeli fighter jets being accused of deliberately using cover tactics, causing Syrian air defenses to mistakenly shoot down an Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft on the night of September 17.
Israel denied the accusations and affirmed that it will continue airstrikes on Syrian territory to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah, which Tel Aviv considers a terrorist group.