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Syria might buy aircraft from Russia after post-war economic recovery — senator

Viktor Bondarev recalled that the Syrian army at the beginning of the war suffered serious losses because of its obsolete aircraft

MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. Syria could buy the latest aircraft and helicopters from Russia, once the economy is restored after the war, Chairman of the Defense, and Security Committee of Russia's Federation Council Viktor Bondarev told TASS.

"Russia has upgraded its Aerospace Forces. (Our) first-rate aircraft and helicopters can destroy enemies from afar. Such weapons must be used for battle and the Syrian army needs to be equipped with it. Plans should in store to modernize their own aviation group," he said.

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Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

According to Bondarev, following a post-war economic recovery, Syria will be able to buy this equipment from Russia. The senator recalled that the Syrian army at the beginning of the war suffered serious losses because of its obsolete aircraft. In his opinion, Syria’s aviation is still not able to withstand threats, because its airplanes are in poor shape and outdated, even other countries have taken these models out of service.

"I'm talking about the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, and the Sukhoi Su-17. They have a different system of weapons that does not allow it to hit targets with great precision, so the Syrians were forced to operate from altitudes making them easy prey for militants’ portable air defense systems," Bondarev explained.

He added that now Damascus’ main goal is to rebuild the economy, create housing, infrastructure, and repair oil and gas fields decimated during the war.

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