The combat unit of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which is involved in launching airstrikes against Daesh (Islamic State), is deployed to the Hmeymim airbase, outside Latakia.
Here is a look at the everyday life of the Russian task force at the Hmeymim base – in our photo gallery.
On September 30, Russia launched a military offensive against Daesh militants in Syria, at the request of President Bashar Assad. The operation involves only the use of the Air Force and does not foresee any ground troops missions.
Above: Jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Russian military specialists stand by a Russian military jet at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Since the beginning of the operation, Russian warplanes have carried out over 4,200 combat missions.
Above: A Russian Su-34 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-34 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
The task force of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria composes different types of aircraft, including Su-24M and Su-34 bombers, Su-25SM attack aircraft and Su-30SM multirole jets. The operation has also involved strategic bombers like the Tu-160 and Tu-95MS.
Above: A Russian Su-24 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-24 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Russian pilots stand by a warplane at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
The Hmeymim airbase is the centerpiece of the Russian counterterrorism offensive. Recently, the Defense Minister refuted media allegations of Russia’s plans to build one more base in Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-34 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-34 bomber at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Bombs mounted on a Russian jet at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-30SM jet fighter at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Russian jets at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
The Hmeymim airbase is fully supplied with material and technical resources by the Russian Defense Ministry.
Above: A Russian Su-30SM jet fighter at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: A Russian Su-30SM jet fighter at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
The base is heavily secured. It is protected by a Russian tactical marines unit. Advanced S-400 air defenses have also been deployed to Syria to protect Russian jets during their combat missions.
Above: An air-defense system at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
Above: An air-defense system at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
Above: Jets at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
Above: A Russian pilot at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
Above: Ammunition seen with a Russian Su-25 ground attack jet in the background, at the Hmeymim airbase, Syria.
Above: Russian warplanes at the Hmeymim airbase in Syria.
