Pantsyr-S1 ready. Syrian technical teams in Russia to take delivery

The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan reported on Thursday that Syrian technical teams are in Russia to take delivery of an advanced antiaircraft missile system, the Pantsyr-S1 (@). This is part of a large Syrian-Russian deal, paid for by Iran, to supply new missile defense systems to the Syrian army. The system is a short-range, mobile air defense system, combining anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles that can simultaneously engage two separate targets.

As part of the conclusions the Syrian army drew from the Second Lebanon War, Damascus decided to procure cutting-edge surface-to-surface missiles and antiaircraft missiles. Some of the Persian Gulf states also requested similar systems. Russia failed to meet delivery schedules, but is continuing to train Syrian teams to operate them.
Israeli defense officials believe Russia is using the threat of these arms deals for leverage in its diplomatic battle with the U.S. over the deployment of missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. (Haaretz)

(@) Learn more about Pantsyr S1 (Link)