WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Russia has deployed advanced air defense systems to Syria with an intent to use them, Office of the Director of National Intelligence head James Clapper claimed at the Council on Foreign Relations on Tuesday.
"The system they have is very advanced. I don’t think they would deploy it, unless they had some intent to use it," Clapper stated.
The intelligence chief underscored that he takes very seriously "the very sophisticated air defense coverage" Russia has in Syria.
"I take stock in the nature of the weaponry that they deployed and why they did that," Clapper noted.
According to media reports, the variant deployed in Syria is S-300V4 — NATO designation SA-23 Gladiator — that is capable of striking tactical and strategic aircraft, medium-range ballistic missiles, tactical missiles as well as cruise missiles.
