The National Interest magazine published the top five Russian weapons which would rain death upon ISIL.
Here is the list.
Su-25 Attack Aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO reporting name "Frogfoot") is a Russian attack jet designed to provide close air support for ground forces. While it was brought into service during in the Soviet era, it remains one of the world’s premier attack aircraft.
Numerous Frogfoots have already been involved in the fight against ISIL, flying in the Iraqi and Iranian air forces.
Considered as an equivalent to the US A-10 Thunderbolt II, the Su-25 is a subsonic aircraft capable of carrying a large load of missiles and bombs. It is also armed with a 30-mm automatic cannon for close air support duties.
In comparison with aircraft of the Iraqi and Iranian air forces, the Russian Su-25 has more advanced systems, better pilots and better maintenance. This should make the aircraft more effective at striking ISIL positions if Russia ever launches offensive against Islamic State, The National Interest explained.
The Su-25 is a better close air support machine than the Su-22 and Su-24 currently flown by the Syrian Arab Air Force, the article added.
Spetsnaz
The term "Spetsnaz" are the special forces of the Russian military. Russian special forces have played a major role in a number of military conflicts, including the Afghan and Chechen Wars.
In Syria, Russian special forces have traditionally trained Syrian forces. However, if Russia took part in an operation against ISIL and other rebels, Spetsnaz would be able to spearhead the offensive, the article assumed.
Mi-24 Attack Helicopter
Helicopters play an important role in counter-insurgency operations, and the Mi-24 (NATO reporting name "Hind") has a long history of serving in the Russian Armed Forces. It is best-known for its involvement in the Afghan War, but it has also been actively used around the world since the 1970s.
Called by Soviet pilots the "flying tank", the helicopter provides important ground support capabilities for Russian forces. The Mi-24 facilitates air mobility and the transfer of troops to critical locations as well as acts as a gunship.
Equipped with bombs, missiles, rockets, and a 12.7-mm gun, the chopper can seriously damage prepared defensive positions, and vehicles.
If Russia participated in an offensive against ISIL in Syria, the helicopter would provide mobility for Russian troops as well as a great firepower, the article read.
BTR-82A
The BTR-82A is a Soviet/Russian armored personnel carrier first deployed during the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan. The vehicle offers mobility and protection for ground troops as well as fire support for infantry.
According to The National Interest, the BTR-82A would offer important capabilities for a potential offensive against ISIL forces in Syria.
UAVs
Intelligence could be the most critical contribution of Russian forces in the fight against ISIL militants, the article claimed.
While drones of Western forces already reconnoiter ISIL positions, the Assad regime lacks access to most of the collected data. Around the world, drones have become the primary intelligence gathering tool, and Russian UAVs could be used to survey ISIL positions to support a hypothetical military operation, according to The National Interest.
The Russian military possesses a wide array of surveillance drones as well as some attack machines. If deployed to Syria, these drones would enhance the effectiveness of both Russian troops and the Syrian Army, the article read.
