Even as the Syrian airspace gets crowded with several major powers declaring war on the Islamic State (IS), which has established a de facto Caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria, Russia is all set to deploy its most modern fighter aircraft Su-35 in Syria as part of its own war.
“Su-35s are expected to be deployed in Syria within the next couple of weeks,” an analyst told The Hindu . At least six fighter jets could be sent in the first phase, another informed source said.
Advanced systemADVERTISEMENT
This move comes shortly after Moscow deployed S-400 Surface-to-Air Missile batteries — one of the most advanced air defence systems currently available — in Syria, following the downing of a Russian Air Force Su-24M bomber by the Turkish Air Force over the Syrian border.
It would be a major addition to the offensive capability of Russia in the Middle East in its war against the IS while the S-400 significantly bolsters its defensive perimeter over the Syrian airspace.
While the U.S. has been carrying out air strikes on ISIS targets for some time, other nations have come on board after the terror attacks in Paris by the IS supporters. In fact it is this long reach of the IS outside its controlled territory that is scaring countries worldwide and hence the scramble to dislodge them. France has since commenced air strikes and Germany, Britain and others are expected to follow suit.
ADVERTISEMENT