Syria Gets Russian Air-Defense System

Stratfor

April 25, 2008

A Syrian delegation has arrived in Russia to inspect and accept the first batch of Pantsyr-S1 short-range air-defense systems for delivery, according to reports from Reuters in Russia on April 15 and Iranian state media on April 17 (which have not been confirmed by Russian arms-export monopoly Rosoboronexport). …

Given the unconfirmed nature of the sale, it is difficult to determine just which capabilities Moscow has decided to share with Damascus. But whatever the case, the fundamental reality of Syria’s air defense capability remains unchanged … The upgrade will not change the strategic balance between Syria and its neighbors.

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