Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 7
By Elmira Tariverdiyeva - Trend:
The shelling of the facilities of the "Islamic State" in Syria by Russia's Caspian Flotilla, which hit all the targets, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has became a spectacular demonstration of Russian military might.
Such an operation, where the target destruction range exceeds 1,000 kilometers, is an eloquent answer to the West - to the suspicions that Russia doesn't have means and capacities to project its power long distances.
Therefore, Moscow has, at the first opportunity, used the chance to demonstrate its success in operations using long-range missiles.
The hitting of targets in Syria from the Caspian Sea is also a spectacular response in that Russia has only one aircraft carrier, whereas the US has as many as 10 warships in different parts of the world.
Russia simply doesn't need to own and maintain a large number of carriers, which are an offensive means of power projection on the sea.
Moreover, the hitting of targets at long distances is another way for Russia to prove the effectiveness of its Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), which has been for many years criticized for frequent malfunctions.
In other words, Russia's audacious operational-strategic plans are designed to clearly tell the world about Russia's recent revival of military potential and its desire to return to world superpower status- a power to be reckoned with.
Taking into account the geopolitical factors, which are as important as the military ones in today's world, it is necessary to admit that Russia is able to create forces that will confront any power in the world, at least on a regional scale.
Today Moscow has focused on several components of the defense industry - long-range bombers, air defense systems, nuclear submarines, which are more and more modernized every year, and radio electronic warfare.
And, of course, Moscow does not miss a chance to show the US the achievements of its defense industry.
For many years the US has had a rather disparaging attitude towards the Russian military might.
Taking into account the current situation, Moscow is ready to challenge US traditional supremacy in the air space of the Middle East, by controlling all large areas in the region.
A Russian alliance with Iran - another Syrian ally can also play a significant role here.
Iran can provide its airspace to Moscow for its aircraft to reach Syria.
Edited by CN
Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agency's Russian News Service
