Tu-22M3 bombers and MiG-31K fighters have been deployed in Syria, equipped with state-of-the-art Kinzhal supersonic missiles capable of reaching speeds of 7 to 10 Mach, with a range of up to 2,000 km, making them the “airborne” version of the “Iskander” tactical ballistic missile.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in the presence of Syrian Defence Minister Ali Ayub, inspected from the supply base in the city of Tartus the naval exercises of the Russian Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean, which are being conducted as part of the series of naval exercises in operationally important areas of the World Ocean and in seas adjacent to Russian territory, said a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The strategic importance of the Russian exercises

According to Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, Commander of the Navy Fleet, more than 15 warships from the Pacific, North Sea and Black Sea fleets and more than 30 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces are participating in the naval exercises.

The exercises are part of Russia‘s increased military activity, amid a confrontation with the West over security issues in Europe. Russia had earlier announced that it had sent fighter jets with supersonic missiles to its Khmeimim airbase in Syria to participate in the naval exercises.

However, it is worth noting that these aircraft have not been deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean by chance, since their Kinzhal missiles offer them the capability to threaten NATO naval forces and the strike group of the USS Harry Truman, which is currently in the Mediterranean. It is recalled that this is not the first time that MiG-31 fighters and Tu-22M3 bombers have been deployed in Syria, as a similar mission was carried out last summer