Two Su-57s Flown to Hmeymim, Syria, as Russia Upgrades Infrastructure at Air Base

As Russia upgrades infrastructure at its Hmeymim air base in Syria, prototypes of two Sukhoi Su-57 stealth-capable fighters have been sent, presumably to show off Russia's weaponry.

This is the “first demonstration of the latest Russian combat aircraft under real war conditions," reports Krasnaya Zvezda.

The demonstration was clearly intended to attract foreign attention, including from potential buyers, the report said. Export version of the fifth generation fighter was unveiled at the recently concluded MAKS-2019 airshow, Moscow.

Presence of Su-57s in Syria has coincided with speeding up work on improving infrastructure at Hmeymim air base in Syria.

"Work to upgrade infrastructure at Hmeymim, Russian air base located in Syria, is in progress. We are also working on repair facilities in the port of Tartus for Russian naval ships," Sergei Shoigu, Russia's Defense Minister, was quoted as saying by TASS on Tuesday.

"The tasks of protecting, preserving and maintaining the combat readiness of weapons and special equipment of the Russian military contingent are now in the forefront," Shoigu added.

Intensive operations to improve the infrastructure of the Russian air base in Khemeimim, Syria, could indicate that the Su-57s will soon be stationed there permanently, the Krasnaya Zvezda report said.