Russia Deploys S-300 Missile System's Battery To Syria

Russia has deployed a battery of S-300 air defense missile launcher to Syria to defend its naval logistics facility and warships.

“This S-300 missile defence system is designed to ensure the safety of the naval base in Syrian city of Tartus and ships located in the coastal area of Syria" ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov was quoted as saying by Tass Tuesday.

However, it is unclear why the deployment of the missile system has created such a fuss in the West, Konashenkov added. "The S-300 is a purely defensive system and poses no threat," he said.

Russia, last year, had deployed its newest air defense systems, the long-range S-400 and the short-range Pantsir-S1, to Syria as part of a security boost following the downing of a Russian jet by Turkey near the border with that country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the S-400 systems are not targeting Russia's partners, "with whom we fight terrorists in Syria together." The S-400 is considered as the most advanced anti-aircraft defense system in Russia.