Following unofficial reports, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed deployment of an additional S-300 air defense system in Syria.
The Russian military said on October 4 that an additional battery of the S-300 air defense system has been deployed in Tartus and will provide protection for this naval logistic facility and the Russian Navy’s grouping off Syria’s shores.
“It is true that one battery of the S-300 air defense systems has been delivered to Syria. It is to provide protection for the naval logistics facility in Tartus and the Russian Navy’s task force,” Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told media.
He noted that it’s “unclear” why the decision to deploy S-300 to Syria caused such commotion in the West.
“Let me remind you that S-300 is an exceptionally defensive system and it poses no threat to anybody. Moreover, a ship-born equivalent of that system – called Fort was present in the region before. The Black Sea Fleet’s guided missile cruiser The Moskva is armed with it,” he added.
The Russian military deployed the additional S-300 (allegedly S-300VM, designed for defending against ballistic- and cruise missiles) amid the ongoing escalation with the United States over the Syrian crisis. Reports appear on a constant basis that Washington is considering various military actions over the crisis, including military strikes on the Syrian government forces.
We recall last year Russia deployed to Syria its newest air defense system S-400.
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