Moscow is going to strengthen the Syrian Army’s possibility of air defense with a batch of the Pantsir surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon systems.
Russia intends to strengthen the possibility of air defense of the Syrian Army, handing over to Syrian authorities a batch of Pantsir surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon systems, Russian media reported, citing a source in the military-diplomatic circles.
The deal was concluded a few years ago, but it was implemented only partially due to financial reasons. Now Moscow is ready to hand over to Damascus the remaining Pantsirs without immediate additional payment.
According to experts, most likely, it is about sending air defense systems, which have been being stored in the warehouses since 2013. Apparently, the reason for this decision was an air threat for Syrian troops – earlier, the US made it clear that the coalition may begin to strike at the Syrian government forces.
There are still no exact data about the number of air defense systems, which will be handed over to Syrian military, but, according to the source, the number will be no less than 10 pieces. In addition, Syria will receive operational stations and radar locators.
A contract for the supply of the Pantsirs was signed in 2008. Details of the deal have not been revealed, but most likely, it has been about delivery of 36-50 systems and 700 missiles for it.
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