Syrian MIG-29s provided air cover for Russian ground attack SU-25 aircraft for the first time during a recent airstrike on Islamic State positions in Syria. This was the first joint operation between the two nation’s air forces said the Russian Defense Ministry.
“The crews of the Russian Su-25 warplanes and the Syrian MiG-29s have accomplished a joint combat mission in the Syrian skies,” a statement by the ministry said on Thursday, reported RT.
“A pair of MiG-29 fighter jets provided cover in the air to Russian attack planes, which conducted airstrike against the terrorist infrastructure of terrorists,” it added.
According to the ministry, the Syrian fighter jets met up in the skies with Russian warplanes, taking off from Khmeimim air base, and “provided support and cover for Russian attack aircraft throughout the whole flight to the area where the airstrikes were carried out and back.”
Syrian pilots have recently visited the Russian air base at Latakia to receive training on Russian radio procedures. Russia began providing fighter escort to bomber aircraft after Turkey shot down a Russian jet along the Turkish, Syrian border.
Khmeimim airbase supports Russian Air Force squadrons of Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, Su-34 and Su-24 tactical bombers, and Su-25 attack aircraft.
