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10Dec15

Russia's Military Is Catching Up to the West by Fighting in Syria

As seen with the Caspian missile strikes, one of the more telling signs of Russia's continued military modernization is the appearance of more precision-guided munitions. Although they lack a number at all comparable to the U.S. arsenal, Russian forces have been using them with increasing frequency.

The conflict in Syria gives Russia leeway to test its precision munitions in real-world conditions, and with fewer repercussions if used in other theaters of conflict (like Ukraine).

There is still a great number of unguided bombs in use by the Russian military, and they will most likely cause significant damage to unintended targets, as pointed out by U.S. Air Force intelligence. Despite hiccups, and reported errors with some of Russia's cruise missiles, these are all worrying developments for Western planners. Russia is now much more militarily savvy in its use of advanced missile and air systems, and is able to refine their use through foreign intervention.

It is likely that the Syrian escapade could come back to haunt Putin, since there are many domestic problems brewing in Russia. As many opinion pieces suggest, this conflict could prove quite pointless and costly, without any tangible results. This is further compounded by the growing blowback against Russia following Turkey's downing of a Su-24 Fencer.

However, Russia is seeing results in the professionalization of its armed forces by fighting in Syria. Its air force is gaining experience through conducting sorties, while Special Forces and irregular volunteers are seeing action. Coordination between these forces will likely improve, as Moscow used its previous military invasions to gain valuable lessons and will probably do the same now.

[Source: By Blake Franko, The National Interest, US, 10Dec15]
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Syria War
small logoThis document has been published on 14Dec15 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.