Satellite Images Show Erect S-300 Launchers at Syrian Base

The recent advancement of the Syrian air defense system raises several questions. Who really operates the battery in an operational mode? Will Russia risk public failure of the S-300 against American aircraft in Syria when batteries of the same family are deployed to defend Russian sovereignty against NATO?

Satellite Images Show Erect S-300 Launchers at Syrian Base

Credit: ImageSat International 

Three of the four S-300 launchers deployed in Masyaf, Syria, have been documented in an erected position in a satellite image published by the Israeli ImageSat International (ISI) on Tuesday, indicating that the battery is likely turning operational.

The images show three launchers in an upright position and the fourth covered by a camouflage net. This is the first time that the launchers have been documented in an erected position since Russia delivered them to Syrian in October 2018, Haaretz reports.

“Due to the current regional tension and the detected erection of the launchers, it is possible that the mentioned activity indicates an increase of the operational level and alertness. However, it is currently unclear why only one launcher is covered by camouflage net. This situation is rare and raises question marks about the operational level of the whole battery and specifically of the covered and folded launcher,” ISI said in their assessment.

It should be reminded that while the battery was handed to Syria, it is not clear who really operates it. By some estimates, the command of the advanced air defense systems remains in Russian hands.

However, after the Iranians raised claims that Russia deliberately doesn’t use its air defense batteries against Israeli attacks, which they say indicates de facto cooperation between Moscow and Jerusalem, it would be interesting to see how the Syrians and the Russians will act the next time a foreign element violates Syrian sovereignty. The fact that this battery is officially controlled by Syria could provide the Russians with an excuse to operate it.

What will happen if the battery fails to perform against US-made aircraft? That's a good question given the fact that batteries of the same family are deployed to protect Russia’s sovereignty vis-à-vis NATO.