Russia is sending an S-300 anti-aircraft defence system back to Russia from its current deployment in Syria, according to Israeli intelligence.
According to a report in The Times of Israel, satellite imagery shows that the system, which had been stationed near the city of Masyaf, was dismantled over the past few weeks. It was then sent to Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base, and afterwards taken to the port of Tartus. It was then placed aboard a Russian transport ship destined for the port of Novorossiysk.
It is believed that the system has been taken back to strengthen Russia’s air defences in its war with Ukraine. The war has lasted longer and taken a higher toll than Russia had initially believed would be the case. Russia has been reported to have called on inductees and obsolete equipment to make up for growing shortages.
Drawing resources from its deployment in Syria would be consonant with this.
The deployment of the S-300 in Syria was a source of tension between Russia and Israel, with the latter concerned that it would hinder its ability to strike hostile targets. The system was manned by Russian operators and needed their approval to be used. In May, a battery fired on an Israeli aircraft.