MOSCOW, June 1. /TASS/. The Russian army is widely using the experience of its anti-aircraft missile systems’ operations in Syria, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday at a teleconference in the ministry.

"The experience of operation of aircraft systems and anti-aircraft missile systems gained during combat in Syria is widely used in the training process," he said.

The minister said previously that that the ministry was introducing "new forms and methods of combat training" with taking into account the experience of the (Russian military) operation in Syria. In addition, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that the experience of military operations in Syria would be taken into account in the development of a new state armaments program.

Russia launched an operation against terrorists in Syria on September 30, 2015, acting at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The main part of the Russian military was withdrawn from Syria in mid-March, however, the Russian Aerospace Forces continued supporting the Syrian government troops in the fight against the terrorists and after that, for instance, during the liberation of the ancient city of Palmyra.

A number of new planes and helicopters have been used by Russia during the operation in Syria. Russia’s new S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile defense system was also moved to the Middle East.