Ukraine eyes Syrian arms to boost defense against Russia
The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime opens new opportunities for Ukraine to acquire advanced weaponry from Syria.
With the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria at the beginning of December 2024, Ukraine now has new avenues to acquire advanced weaponry. Among the systems of interest are the Russian Bastion coastal defense missile systems equipped with P-800 Oniks missiles, which could be crucial for developing advanced defense strategies against missile attacks from Russia.
Syria's equipment could reach Ukraine
Syria also possessed Tochka-U and Elbrus missile systems, as well as Iranian Fateh-110 missiles. While these systems vary in technical condition, they could provide valuable insights for the Ukrainian armed forces, particularly for countering potential threats. Additionally, air defense systems like the S-300PMU2 and S-125-2M 'Pechora-2M' could significantly enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
In terms of aviation, Syria had up to 30 MiG-29 fighter jets, some of which were upgraded to the MiG-29SM version, and Su-24MK bombers. These aircraft, while not the newest, could be a valuable addition to Ukraine's arsenal, especially considering the limitations in accessing modern military technology.
However, the major challenge remains negotiating with the new authorities in Syria and the limited timeframe Ukraine has to secure agreements before the Israeli air force potentially targets strategic assets in Syrian territory. Given the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Ukraine must act swiftly to capitalize on this brief window of opportunity.
Valuable equipment for Ukrainians
Among all the weapons that analysts from Defense Express predict could be transferred to Ukraine, the Fateh-110 missiles and MiG-29 aircraft stand out.
The Fateh-110 missile, in service since 2022, is a significant asset. Each missile is nearly 30 feet long and weighs about 7,700 pounds, with a warhead containing approximately 1,100 pounds of explosives. Its range is roughly 186 miles. Meanwhile, the MiG-29 aircraft in Syria's inventory, dating back to the 1970s, serve as frontline fighters. They can reach speeds of 2.3 Mach (about 1,491 mph) and operate at altitudes of 57,000 feet, carrying a total payload of up to 12,100 pounds.
