Russia to deploy S-400 SAM System in the Khmeimim airbase in Syria 42511152

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Russia to deploy S-400 SAM System in the Khmeimim airbase in Syria
The Russian Air Force base in Latakia will be reinforced with S-400 SAM system, which will soon be deployed there, Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Wednesday. "S-400 will be deployed on Khmeimim airbase in Syria," Shoigu said at a Defense Ministry meeting.
     
Russia to deploy S 400 SAM System in the Khmeimim airbase in Syria 640 001S-400 Triumf Russian advanced anti-aircraft system
     

Russia is deploying S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) next generation surface-to-air missile systems to the Khmeimim airbase in Syria where the Russian Aerospace Forces group is stationed, according to Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin agrees with the Defense Ministry's proposal to deploy S-400 missile defense systems to the Syrian airbase.

“By the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief S-400s will be deployed to Khmeimim airbase in Syria to provide comprehensive air defense,” Shoigu said.

On Tuesday, Turkish F-16s shot down a Russian Su-24M Fencer bomber. One of the pilots has been confirmed dead by Russian authorities, shot by rebel ground units after ejecting. The other pilot has been rescued and transported to the Khmeimim airbase Wednesday morning.

Turkey has cited airspace violations as its justification for shooting down a Russian Su-24 bomber on Tuesday. However, both the Russian General Staff and the Syrian Air Defense Command confirmed that the Su-24 never crossed into Turkish airspace, in accordance with precise objective control data.

Shortly afterwards, the Minister of Defense announced three steps to be taken following the attack on the Russian Su-24 bomber, including providing aerial cover by fighter jets for every airstrike, boosting air defense by deploying guided missile cruisers off the Latakia coast, and suspending all military-to-military contacts with Turkey.

The S-400 is Russia's most advanced anti-aircraft defense system. It is as an upgrade of the S-300 Growler family, designed and developed by Almaz Antei. The S-400 is employed to ensure air defense using long- and medium-range missiles that can hit aerial targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers. The S-400 is capable of hitting tactical and strategic aircraft as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. The system includes a set of radars, missile launchers and command posts, and is operated solely by the Russian military.