- December 9, 2024
- 7:09 pm
- Middle East
After the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell in Syria, many examples of various military equipment, including Russian, remained in the country.
Ukraine, although small, has a chance to agree that these weapons will be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, writes Defense Express.
“It is quite appropriate to raise the question of what weapons in Syria would be of interest to Ukraine. Moreover, there are really a lot of interesting samples there,” the material says.
Ukraine could use rare samples to strengthen its armed forces and explore new methods of countering Russian aggression. Ukraine does not have much time left for this.
“How much time is there to reach the necessary agreements, since the Israeli Air Force has already begun to methodically attack military bases in Syria in order to hit all more or less significant weapons reserves,” the material says.
Key weapons
The Syrian arsenal contains many interesting examples of Russian equipment that could be useful for Ukraine.
Missile systems
- Bastion and anti-ship missiles P-800 “Onyx”
- Deliveries began in 2013, and they are extremely rare: besides Syria, only Vietnam has such systems.
- Prospects: studying the capabilities of these complexes for the development of missile defense.
- OTRK “Tochka-U” and “Elbrus”
- Elbrus missiles can be difficult to operate, but Tochka-U will be a useful resource for further attacks on Russian positions.
- Iranian Fateh-110 missiles
- Their study can help in predicting threats and developing countermeasures.
Anti-aircraft systems
Syria had significant stockpiles of air defense systems, including:
- S-300PMU2 (at least 20 launchers)
- S-125-2M “Pechora-2M”
- S-200 and Buk complexes (including the modernized Buk-M2).
Ukraine could use them to strengthen its own air defense, especially in light of regular Russian attacks.
Multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS)
Syrian stockpiles include the Uragan (220 mm) and Smerch (300 mm) systems, which are especially valuable due to the shortage of ammunition for them on the world market.
Aviation
The Syrian aircraft fleet in 2024 included:
- Up to 30 MiG-29, some of which have been upgraded to MiG-29SM (can use R-77 and Kh-31P missiles).
- Up to 10 Su-24MK, which are suitable for attacks on ground targets.
- Anti-submarine helicopters Ka-28 and Mi-14 (can be used as donors of spare parts).
Implementation difficulties
Who can donate weapons?
Since the collapse of the Assad regime, it is difficult to determine who now controls these arsenals. The situation is complicated by the activity of the Israeli Air Force, which is striking the remaining weapons depots to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.
Time frame
Defense Express analysts note that there is little time for negotiations. Israel has already begun to methodically destroy strategically important military bases in Syria.
State of the art
Some of the Syrian weapons may be in poor condition, which will require significant resources for restoration.
Opportunities for Ukraine
If Ukraine manages to gain access to Syrian arsenals, it could provide significant strategic advantages:
| Type of weapon | Possible application in Ukraine |
|---|---|
| S-300 and Buk air defense systems | Strengthening air defense to protect critical infrastructure. |
| MLRS “Smerch” and “Hurricane” | Increased range and accuracy of artillery strikes. |
| MiG-29 and Su-24MK | Strengthening air forces for counter-offensives. |
| “Bastion” and P-800 “Onyx” | Study of anti-ship technologies of the Russian Federation. |
Israel's role
Israel plays a key role in the Syrian arms control process. Its actions are aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah and other terrorist groups.
At the same time, despite the difficulties, Ukraine and Israel can find common interests in this issue:
- Israel gains an ally interested in destroying the remnants of Russian influence in Syria.
- Ukraine gains access to important weapons that can be used to strengthen the army.
Conclusion
The issue of obtaining Syrian weapons for Ukraine remains difficult, but not hopeless. It is important to quickly establish contact with the new authorities in Syria and coordinate actions with Israel.
On the website NAnewss it develops. The interaction between Ukraine and Israel in this context can become an example of a strategic partnership between two peoples connected by a common struggle for security.
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