On July 13, Obretix, a defense observer on Twitter, released new satellite images of the Russian Hmeimim airbase on the Syrian coast.
The new images show that the airbase is currently hosting seven Su-24, four Su-25, seven Su-34, four Su-35 warplanes as well as an A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), an IL-20 electronic intelligence (ELINT) plane, two IL-76 and an An-30 cargo planes.
Russian Air Force planes at Hmeymim Air Base in Latakia on 11 June 2019: 7 Su-24, 4 Su-25, 7 Su-34, 4 Su-35 and a MiG-21 which was later set up as a monument on the base https://t.co/MqAiFNq08n an A-50, 2 IL-76, an An-26/30 and an IL-20/22 pic.twitter.com/tyCCwDUF6z
— Samir (@obretix) July 13, 2019
The warplanes were all deployed in the airbase’s ramp. This indicates that the hardened aircraft shelters are still under construction. New revetments are also being built in the northeastern section of the airbase.
#PT some construction work has been going on over the past year at the airbase, the western runway is still being refurbished, aircraft shelters and three bunkers were set up, air defense reinforced pic.twitter.com/U8rLQj2pWJ
— Samir (@obretix) July 13, 2019
Few days ago, militants stationed in Greater Idlib attempted to target Hmeimim airbase with three armed drones. However, Russian air-defense systems foiled the attack.
The Russian aerial group deployed in Hmeimim airbase is currently supporting the SAA’s limited operations around Greater Idlib. Russian warplanes are also conducting regular sorties over the Homs desert, where hundreds of ISIS terrorists are repeatedly hiding.
