Russia has been relentless in its efforts to assist Damascus-led forces, who are fighting to tackle the foreign-sponsored violent insurgency in Syria. To this end, Russia has sent brand new tactical aircraft, strategic bombers and cruise missiles into battle. It has also showcased its impressive electronic warfare capabilities, which Lt. General Ben Hodges, commander of US Army Europe, once described as "eye-watering."
Weapons are not the only factor that matters. Although the operation in Syria has been limited in its scope, Russian warplanes sometimes fly more missions daily than the US-led coalition does in a month. "This is in marked contrast, Western military planners have noted, to how quickly [NATO] began to feel the strain when bombing Libya and Kosovo," the Independent asserted.
Russia's anti-Daesh efforts have paid off. "It is this military might that is underpinning President Vladimir Putin's strategic triumphs. His intervention in Syria has been a game changer and what happens there now lies, to a large extent, in his hands," the newspaper added, calling Russia's campaign a "sobering experience" for the North Atlantic Alliance.
