Russian Air Force Fleet: The Line-Up in Syria
Sukhoi Su-24M
Alongside Su-25SM assault fighters, Su-24M forms the core of the Russian air presence in Syria. Carrying eight tons of payload, the aircraft can be effectively used as a high-precision weapon with free-falling bombs and rockets.
The Russian campaign of air strikes in Syria officially started on Sept. 30. Since then, world media sources have gathered information on the Russian presence in Latakia, where the Russian air force is based.
The Moscow Times takes a look through the impressive catalogue of Russian fighter jets seen flying through the Syrian sky.
Alongside Su-25SM assault fighters, Su-24M forms the core of the Russian air presence in Syria. Carrying eight tons of payload, the aircraft can be effectively used as a high-precision weapon with free-falling bombs and rockets.
The Russian campaign of air strikes in Syria officially started on Sept. 30. Since then, world media sources have gathered information on the Russian presence in Latakia, where the Russian air force is based.
The Moscow Times takes a look through the impressive catalogue of Russian fighter jets seen flying through the Syrian sky.
Alexander Mishin / Wikicommons
Sukhoi Su-25SM
Twelve Su-25SM assault fighters have been sent to Syria to support ground troops. Since 1980, this type of jet has seen action in many wars worldwide and is now the flagman of the Russian air force.
Twelve Su-25SM assault fighters have been sent to Syria to support ground troops. Since 1980, this type of jet has seen action in many wars worldwide and is now the flagman of the Russian air force.
Vitaly V. Kuzmin / Wikicommons
Sukhoi Su-30SM
The Su-30SM is the latest modification of the Russian Su-30 heavy multi-role fighter, based on the older MKI model developed for export to the Indian air force. The Su-30 is itself based on the Soviet-designed Su-27 Flanker fighter jets.
The Su-30 family of fighter jets is one of Russia's most popular export items. Over 200 Su-30MKI jets have been delivered to India out of the total 272 on order, and 44 have been delivered to the Algerian air force. Malaysia has purchased 18 of the jets.
Su-30SM fighter jets are now shooting on ground targets in Syria.
The Su-30SM is the latest modification of the Russian Su-30 heavy multi-role fighter, based on the older MKI model developed for export to the Indian air force. The Su-30 is itself based on the Soviet-designed Su-27 Flanker fighter jets.
The Su-30 family of fighter jets is one of Russia's most popular export items. Over 200 Su-30MKI jets have been delivered to India out of the total 272 on order, and 44 have been delivered to the Algerian air force. Malaysia has purchased 18 of the jets.
Su-30SM fighter jets are now shooting on ground targets in Syria.
Vitaly V. Kuzmin / Wikicommons
Sukhoi Su-24
Su-34 is a Russian twin-engined strike fighter. It was developed to replace the Sukhoi Su-24.
This fighter jet is famous for its complex electronic countermeasures system "Khibiny," which gained in popularity after it allegedly disabled the radio-electronic systems of the USS Donald Cook, a U.S. missile destroyer.
Su-34 is a Russian twin-engined strike fighter. It was developed to replace the Sukhoi Su-24.
This fighter jet is famous for its complex electronic countermeasures system "Khibiny," which gained in popularity after it allegedly disabled the radio-electronic systems of the USS Donald Cook, a U.S. missile destroyer.
Alex Beltyukov / Airlinersnet / Wikicommons
Mi-8
In Syria, multi-role Mi-8 helicopters are on duty in the event of search and rescue operations.
In Syria, multi-role Mi-8 helicopters are on duty in the event of search and rescue operations.
Alex Beltyukov / Airlinersnet / Wikicommons
Mi-24
Mi-24 attack helicopters first came into use in 1972, initially used by the Soviet air force, but have remained in use consistently.
Like the Su-25SM fighter jet, Mi-24 have participated in conflicts for several years. Now, Mi-24 helicopters are patrolling the Russian air base in Latakia, and still are the most striking and trouble-free helicopters in the Russian air force.
Mi-24 attack helicopters first came into use in 1972, initially used by the Soviet air force, but have remained in use consistently.
Like the Su-25SM fighter jet, Mi-24 have participated in conflicts for several years. Now, Mi-24 helicopters are patrolling the Russian air base in Latakia, and still are the most striking and trouble-free helicopters in the Russian air force.
Igor Dvurekov / Russianplanes.net / Wikicommons