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Russia will deploy improved S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in Syria, its Defense Minister said on Monday in a retaliatory move after accusing Israel of the destruction of one of its planes last week.
Syrian air defense systems shot down a Russian Il-20 aircraft last week, killing all 15 soldiers on board. Moscow blamed Israel, saying four of its fighter planes used the Il-20 as a cover in an attack on Syrian assets and deliberately put the biggest Russian plane in the line of fire.
Moscow said Monday it would provide S-300 batteries to Syria in the next 14 days. The system is a much improved version of the S-200 that shot down the Russian plane.
"The Syrian Army will have a modern air defense missile system, the S-300, within two weeks," said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
"Please note that we suspended delivery of the S-300 system in Syria in 2013 at the request of Israel. He was ready to be dispatched and the Syrian military received appropriate training. The situation has now changed. And it's not our fault, "he added.
"We are confident that the implementation of these measures will appease the" exaltations "and deter unreasonable actions that threaten our military," Shoigu said. "Otherwise, we will have to respond according to the current situation."
Israel denied any responsibility and informed Moscow of its intention to attack. The incident tainted previously solid relations between Russia and Israel.
The Russian-built S-300 is capable of intercepting air attacks with a range of more than 250 km and is able to hit multiple targets simultaneously.
