"The Aerospace Forces became the most powerful branch of Russia's armed forces thanks to the attention of the country's leadership. We receive advanced weaponry and military equipment in due time. This is why the Aerospace Forces are successfully breaking the backbone of international terrorism in the Syrian Arab Republic," Bondarev said opening the finals of the Aviadarts international flight skills competition.
He added that the International Army Games and Aviadarts competition peacefully demonstrate the military capabilities of the latest combat aircraft and helicopters.
The Russian Aerospace Forces were established on August 1, 2015, after the Russian Air Force was merged with the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces.
On September 30, 2015, Moscow began its anti-terror campaign in Syria on Damascus' request, during which the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted precision airstrikes against the targets of the Daesh terrorist group, outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
In mid-March, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to start withdrawing most of Russia's military contingent from Syria after accomplishing its objective, while leaving a minor residual force.
