Russia Arms Sukhoi Su-34 Bombers In Syria With Air-to-Air Missiles

Russian aircrafts participating in the military operations against terrorist organizations in Syria carried out their first sorties equipped with air-to-air missiles yesterday, Russian Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The measure is intended to deter Turkish fighter aircraft or those of any other country from taking aim at Russian aircraft on the pretext of them violating their airspace.

RT quoted Igor Klimov, commander of the Russian Airforce in Syria as saying, “Russian Su-34 bombers, additionally equipped with air-to-air missiles, have set out for their first mission in Syria."

“Today, Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers have made their first sorties equipped not only with high explosive aviation bombs and hollow charge bombs, but also with short and medium-range air-to-air missiles,” spokesman for the Russian Air Force added.

“The planes are equipped with missiles for defensive purposes,” Klimov said adding that the missiles have target-seeking devices and are “capable of hitting air targets within a 60km radius.”