After liberating the ancient city of Palmyra, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a very happy man today. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally called Assad to congratulate him. But the whole world knows without Putin the historic site occupied by ISIS terror group since May 2015 would not have been liberated by Assad’s forces.

 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, openly praised Putin and said Vladimir Putin deserved credit for “winkling ISIS maniacs” in their successful recapture of the 2,000-year-old Roman ruins. With the sweet victory, Assad says he’s ready for a snap presidential election. The biggest winner, however, is not Assad but Putin himself.

There’s little doubt that the victory against Daesh (ISIL, ISIS, IS) is the clearest proof that Russia, in a few month’s time, was capable of solving problem that the West couldn’t resolve for years. More importantly, the military breakthrough by Syrian forces, assisted by Russian, is the first major success in the fight against the Daesh terrorists in Syria over the last 5 years of war.

 

Although Vladimir Putin made a surprise pull out from Syria roughly 2 weeks ago, make no mistake about it. Syria will remain as one of Russia’s important military bases for many years to come. Putin had openly declared that Russia’s naval base at Tartus and its strategic Hmeymim airbase will continue to operate as before.

In fact, some of Russia’s most advanced military hardware are being parked in Syria so that whenever the need arises, Putin can activate his forces in a “few hours”. And there’re reports that Russia has actually shipped more equipment and supplies to Syria than it has brought back. Here’re some of the military gadgets which serve to ensure Assad’s survivability and Russia’s presence.

 

 

{ 1 } 2,000 Personnel

Before the surprise withdrawal from Syria, it was estimated that 4,000 to 5,000 Russians including airmen, logistical support and marine infantry were stationed in Syria. Now, at least 2,000 personnel will stay at Hmeymim airbase in Syria alone. Their mission: fighting terrorism, supporting President Bashar Assad and controlling the region on behalf of Putin.

 

 

{ 2 } Su-24 Tactical Bombers

It is the same Sukhoi Su-24 bomber shot down by a Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet on 24 November 2015 near the Syria-Turkey border, which triggered diplomatic issue between Russia and Turkey. The Russians have left between 9 and 12 Su-24 and since Su-24 is not designed for aerial combat, Russia has left some other jet fighters to complement it.

 

 

{ 3 } Su-30 and Su-35 Fighter Jets

To complement Su-24, the latest Su-30 and Su-35 jet fighters still stay at the Hmeymim airbase for aerial protection. At least four Su-35S Flanker-E were deployed to Syria on 31 Jan, 2016 which hasn’t been heard of being withdrawn ever since. Prior to the arrival of Su-35S there were four Su-30SM Flanker-H in Syria. Russia has also 14 Su-34 Fullback bombers in the region.

 

 

{ 4 } S-400 SAM

Thanks to Turkey’s shot down of its Su-24, Russia found its justification in deployment of its cutting-edge S-400 air defence system to protect the Russian Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, Syria. With a range of 400 km and speed of Mach-14, it could hit bombers such as B-1, B-52; fighter jets F-16, F-22, F-35; stealth planes F-117A and even U.S. mighty Tomahawk cruise missiles.

 

 

{ 5 } Pantsir-S1 / SA22

Russia had sent the advanced version of SA-22 system, known as Pantsir-S1 in Russia, by September 2015 and the system will remain in Syria. The S-400 surface-to-air missile system is to protect jet fighters but what is there to protect the S-400 SAM itself? The answer is Pantsir-S1 – to protect S-400 from aircraft, helicopters, precision munitions, cruise missiles and UAVs.

 

 

{ 6 } KA-52 Attack Helicopters

Russian Kamov KA-52, known by NATO as “Hokum-B”, attack helicopters were deployed early of this year to protect Hmeymim airbase. It can also be used to conduct CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue) missions such as the one launched to rescue the 2 pilots who ejected from Su-24 after shot down by a Turkish F-16.

Why this KA-52 Alligator combat helicopter is is such an awesome beast? Apparently, Russians were testing new technologies known as the KRET Vitebsk EW (Electronic Warfare System). The onboard system can protect not only the helicopter or plane, but everything within a certain radius (hundreds of kilometres), forming an “electronic canopy” around the object being protected.

 

 

{ 7 } Mi-28N Attack Helicopters

Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter – Moscow’s answer to the U.S. Army’s fearsome Apache gunship – was instrumental in providing air cover for Syrian dictator Bashar Assad’s forces battling to recapture the ancient city of Palmyra. Flying at 200 miles-per-hour (320 kilometres-per-hour), the Mi-28N boasts infrared and daylight cameras, 8 precision-guided anti-tank missiles and 10 unguided rockets.

Its cockpit armour is thick enough to deflect heavy machine gun fire, while its windshield is able to withstand hits from 12.7–14.5 mm calibre bullets. It functions as an air-to-air and air-to-ground partner for the Mi-24 Hind and Ka-50 Hokum attack helicopters. Able to spot and strike targets from miles away, the Mi-28N Night Hunter combines the qualities of an aerial spy and a flying tank.

 

Other Articles That May Interest You …

• 9 Mind-Blowing Facts About Brussels Attacks You May Not Know
• Prince Turki Screws President Obama – “Brother, We’re Not Parasite”
• A Surprise Pull Out From Syria – Making Sense Of Putin’s Strategy
• 4 Reasons Russia Intervened In Syria & Why Putin May Attack NATO As Well
• Here’s Why Turkey Could Be Alone In A “Nuclear War” With Russia
• Russian Jet Shot Down – How Putin Brilliantly Turns It To His Advantage
• From Russia With Love – Putin Sent “Bear”, “Backfire” & “Blackjack”
• Russian Airstrikes Prove Why Putin Is A Better Leader Than Obama

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April 1st, 2016 by financetwitter

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