Russia delivered MiG-29 Jets to Syria, not Libya
Russia has said it delivered MiG-29 fighters to aid Syrian Air Force and not to support Haftar militia in Libya.
“As part of the military-technical cooperation between the two countries, Russia handed over the second batch of upgraded and modernized MiG-29 fighters to Syria during a ceremony held at Khmeimim air base,” a military source was quoted as saying by Avia.pro on May 31.
The jets will be flown to other Syrian air bases from Khmeimim starting June 1. “It is not known which missiles Russia will arm the fighters with,” the source added.
Earlier, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) alleged Russia sent at least 14 MiG-29 and Su-24 fighters to Libya to support forces (Wagner Group mercenaries) led by warlord Khalifa Haftar. A statement by the service said Russia repainted the jets at Khmeimim base to hide its origin before flying them to Libya.
Russia has fervently denied AFRICOM’s claims.
"Russia has not sent military personnel to Libya and the Russian upper house of parliament has not received a request to approve such a dispatch,” Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the upper house's international affairs committee, was quoted as saying by Interfax on May 27.
While the Russian defense ministry said it would “not comment right now,” Andrei Krasov, a member of the defense committee in Russia's lower house of parliament, dismissed AFRICOM’s allegation as "fake" news.
Russia Denies Sending Aircraft to Support Haftar Forces in Libya
Russia Repainted, Sent Jets to Aid Haftar in Libya: US Africa Command
Wagner Mercenaries Exit from Libya Dents Haftar's Ranks
Israeli Nuclear Research Center Hacked, 20 GB Data Stolen Claim Iranian Hackers
Elbit Systems to Equip U.S. Army Bradley Vehicles with Iron Fist APS...
U.S. Approves South Korea’s Request to buy 4 Early Warning Aircraft Worth...
Japan Launches Military Satellite on Fifth Attempt
Russian Su-57 and Chinese J-20 as Alternatives to the American F-35 Stealth Fighter
As the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet enters serial production, the debate over how it stacks up against the American...
NATO’s Intensified Exercises a Prep to Attack Russia?
Recent NATO exercises such as the BALTOPS-24, Steadfast Defender 2024 and its first-ever Basic Fighter Maneuvers exercise have been its...
Precision in the Skies: The Evolution of Loitering Munitions
Loitering munitions - drones that hover over a target and blow up near it - have become the weapon of...
Is the Patriot Air Defense System Outdated?
After Israel revealed its decision to decommission its U
Russia's Growing Influence in Africa: Arms Sales and Military Bases
Russia's expanding influence in Africa, demonstrated by arms sales, military deployments, and diplomatic engagements, reflects a significant geopolitical shift on...