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Russia has deployed air defense system Pantsir-S1 in Syria to protect Russian airbase and troops TASS 1311151

The conflict in Syria

Russia has deployed air defense system Pantsir-S1 in Syria to protect Russian airbase and troops.

Russia has deployed air defense missile systems in Syria to repel a potential attack on its forces operating in the Arab state and prevent combat aircraft hijacking, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev said.

Russian pilots at Russia's airbase in Syria.

"We have considered all potential threats. We have brought there not only fighter jets, attack aircraft, bombers and helicopters but also air defense missile systems as various force majeure situations may happen," Bondarev said in an interview published on the Komsomolskaya Pravda daily’s website.

According to the general, such potential extraordinary situations include aircraft hijacking or an attack on the Russian troops operating in Syria.

"We must be ready for this as well," the Aerospace Force’s commander said.

The Russian Aerospace Force’s air grouping has been attacking terrorists in Syria since September 30 on the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

It was reported earlier that the Russian air task force at the Hmeymim air base comprised more than 50 aircraft and helicopters. Russia does not intend to take part in a ground operation in Syria.

Media outlets reported earlier that the Russian air task force deployed in Syria was armed with Pantsir-S1 (NATO reporting name: SA-22 Greyhound) air defense missile/gun systems. The system is a unique antiaircraft weapon. Its surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft guns feature a high kill probability at an altitude of up to 15,000 meters and up to 3,000 meters, respectively. The system’s design allows delivering fire on the move 24 hours a day in any weather conditions.