This is How Russia Plans to Improve and Expand Hmeymim Airbase in Syria
11.08.2016
The source further said that it was possible that aviation squadrons will be stationed in different areas of the air base to enhance security because “at the moment there is a single ‘parking lot’ there.”
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| © Photo: Russian Defence Ministry |
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| Russian Defence Ministry |
New radio equipment, including air traffic control systems will be deployed to the base. In addition, Russian experts will arrange sites for the Pantsir surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon systems that are tasked with providing air cover for the base.
Russia also plans to build barracks, a dining hall and a hospital at the base.
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| © Photo: Russian Defence Ministry |
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| © Photo: Wikipedia/Rimma Sadykova |
Earlier, First Deputy Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee in Russia’s Federation Council Franz Klintsevich told the newspaper that Russia plans to turn Hmeymim into a fully operational base.
Last year, Russia and Syria signed an agreement that allows Moscow to use the Hmeymim air base for an indefinite period of time free of charge. Analyst Alexander Khrolenko cautioned against calling the deal “a gift” for Russia, saying that it is rather a “necessity” and a “war-time imperative.”
Russia’s “counterterrorism operation [in Syria] could last for months and years. Russian forces [deployed to the country] need to be on combat alert in the port city of Tartus and at the Hmeymim air base. All international legal conditions for that have been established,” he observed.
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| © Photo: Russian Defence Ministry |
Professor Nourhan El Sheikh of Cairo University maintained that Russia’s increased military presence in Syria will have a positive effect on the region.
