Advanced air defense system protects Russian facilities in Hmeimim, Tartous - Aerospace Forces deputy commander
MOSCOW. April 8 (Interfax) - Russian military facilities in Syria are protected by a state-of-the-art air defense and missile defense system, Lt. Gen. Viktor Gumenny, Russian Air Defense and Missile Defense Troops commander and Aerospace Forces deputy commander, told the Echo of Moscow radio station on Saturday.
"We have set up a group of forces in Syria over the past two years in line with the decision of the supreme commander-in-chief and the defense minister. Our bases in Hmeimim are protected today. Navy facilities in Tartous are protected. In such a way, we ensured our Aerospace Forces' activities in terms of aircraft use," he said.
Active steps have also been taken in recent years to reequip the air defense and missile defense systems in Crimea, the general said.
"Only state-of-the-art and prospective samples of weapons are stationed in Crimea today. This allows the air defense means to function more efficiently. The aerial borders are reliably guarded," he said.
A great deal has been done to bolster the air defense system in Russia's Arctic zone, where air defense units have been put on combat duty on Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, in New Siberian Islands, in Wrangel Island and in Tiksi, he said.
"We have managed to create a reconnaissance system within the shortest period of time and ensure the facilities' pin-point protection with the help of active means, long-range air defense missile systems and air defense missile and cannon complexes," he said.
