Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 25
By Orkhan Quluzade - Trend:
Moscow has stated about the transportation of the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as 'Moskva' missile cruiser to Syria after Turkey shot down the Russian Su-24 warplane.
The systems allegedly will provide cover for the Russian aviation group in Syria. However, Moscow will fail to close the air space over Syria despite the systems capable of destroying the most modern aerial targets, to Latakia.
This is mainly explained by the technical capabilities of these systems. According to the Almaz Scientific Production Association, the official manufacturer of the S-300 "Favorite" and the S-400 "Triumph", the maximum range of these complexes is 200 and 250 kilometers respectively, while that of 'Moskva' missile cruiser - even less - a maximum of 90 kilometers.
It is clear that the anti-aircraft systems will cover only the territory adjacent to the Russian air base in Latakia at a depth of 250 kilometers given the distance from Latakia (Syria's western coast) to the eastern borders of the country (reaches from 400 to 600 kilometers).
Today, Russia's only possibility in Syria to protect the bombers and attack aircraft is by fighter jets. Earlier it was assumed that they would accompany other aircraft while implementing tasks, but at the time when Turkey downed Russian SU-24, a couple of bombers were without cover.
Of course, Moscow could transfer missile systems deep into the country, but there is a security question. In order to ensure safety, it will be necessary to transfer personnel and equipment, which increases the risk of losses.
In any case, the downed Russian plane is a blow to the image of Russia and Moscow will have to restore it, and it is not excluded that the country will do it using radical methods. Will missile systems be used for that?
This will hardly happen, because only planes of the allies fly over Syria and terrorist groups don't have aircraft. Apparently, Russia will strengthen the bombings of factions supported by the West and Turkey, which are in the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and improve the safety of its planes.
The possibility of Moscow's agreeing with Assad's leaving, which is exactly what Ankara wants, is decreasing. Likely, Moscow will try to hit the Turkey's economy even harder.