Russia air group in Syria to be reduced to a single squadronDecember 14, 2017 - 17:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian air group in Syria is to be reduced to a single squadron of battle-ready warplanes, at least for a brief period of time until new aircraft with fresh crews arrive, Al-Masdar News reports. According to sources (many of them pro-opposition sources who, interestingly enough, claim to have heard the information from ‘Russian officials’), some 23 aircraft of the Russian air grouping in Syria are to be returned to their permanent bases in Russia. The reduction of twenty-three warplanes from a recently identified compliment of 35 present at the Khmeimim Air Base means that only a dozen aircraft will remain – basically, a single squadron of jets. In all probability, the Russian air force in Syria is likely going through a phase of extended rotation – something that is much needed after a two year period of high-intensity operations in which only partial rotations took place. It is also worth keeping in mind that the 49-year contract signed between the Syrian and Russian governments for Russian Aerospace Forces ownership of the Khmeimim base remains valid. To this end, it is likely the case that Russia will pull back some warplanes for the sake of creating the space need for construction workers to fully overhaul Khmeimim‘s infrastructures and build a fully-fledged airbase with hardened bunkers and self-support services. Finally, there remains an unidentified number of Russian warplanes and attack helicopters (particularly the latter) stationed at various Syrian military airports throughout the country – whether these aircraft are rotated or kept on active duty remains unclear. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |