Russia Parades New Weapons in Syria on Victory Day

By The Moscow Times

May 9, 2016

MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi [Swifts] and Su-27 jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi [Russian Knights] aerobatic teams fly in formation. Grigory Dukor / Reuters

A smaller version of Moscow's massive Victory Day parade, held on Red Square, took place on Russia's Khmeimim air base in Latakia, Syria, state news agency RIA Novosti reported Monday.

The parades were held to mark the 71st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Russian servicemen carried a Russian flag and World War II victory banner through the air field at Khmeimim and performed the country's national anthem. Military vehicles and hardware, including Russia's advanced S-400 "Triumph" anti-aircraft missile system, were on display.

Several military transport and fighter helicopters flew over the airfield and were followed by six Russian fighter and bomber jets, including the Su-35, Su-30 and Su-34, the planes taking part in Russia's military operation in Syria, RIA Novosti reported.

Russia launched a military operation in Syria in September 2015. After six months, President Vladimir Putin announced mission accomplished and ordered a partial withdrawal of troops in March. Russia currently maintains a military base in the Syrian port of Tartus in addition to the Khmeimim base.

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