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Syrian Operation Reveals Russian Military Equipment's Shortcomings

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Vadim Savitsky / AP

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that Russia's military operation in Syria has revealed the shortcomings of Russian military equipment, the Interfax news agency reported on Friday.

"During the use of military equipment in the Syrian Arab Republic, a number of design and manufacturing flaws were identified," Shoigu said.

He also said that his ministry would be examining what measures are being taken or have already been taken to improve the reliability of Russia's military equipment.

Russia's military operation in Syria officially began on Sept. 30, 2015 and provides air force support to the Syrian government's ground forces. Russian military airplanes and helicopters are based at an airfield in Hmeimim in the Latakia province. Media reports Russian helicopters being based in other locations as well. 

The port of Tartus hosts a Russian naval facility, Russia's only military installation outside of the former Soviet Union. The base serves Russian naval vessels operating in the Mediterranean Sea. 

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