Russian media reported details of air force and naval reinforcements sent by Moscow during the last two days to Syria, in a major shift from previous directions to reduce the Russian military presence in Syria.
Media outlets cited plans to test the latest fifth-generation fighters “in real field conditions.”
Leaked information about modern fighters came through images broadcast by Russian military movements on social media before being confirmed by military sources.
Footage showed aircraft flying in the vicinity of the Hmeimim base in preparation for landing, including two Sukhoi Su-57 fighters which are stealth and heavy-duty fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Moscow sent four other fighter jets of the same model, a number of Sukhoi 25 attack aircraft, and a long-range A-50 surveillance and control aircraft, military sources told the Russian RBK military group.
The development coincided with data on heavy naval ships moving towards the Syrian coast, which was contrary to the previous decision to downsize military presence.
A Russian Ropucha-class landing ship and the Russian Admiral Zakhari crossed the Bosphorus and entered Mediterranean waters.
RBK quoted a source in the Defense Ministry as saying that new strategies, especially the introduction of modern fighter models to Russian forces in Syria, "are a direct response to US actions who are becoming more upbeat.
Other than balancing US action, Russian sources said that Moscow “needs to experience the stealth aircraft in real combat conditions.”
Moscow has begun to re-prioritize its moves to match up the “new American strategy,” a Russian newspaper wrote.
The aim of the military buildup is not limited to its experience, but reflects a decisive Kremlin move to declare a clear practical position on supporting military operations initiated by the Syrian army all across Syria.
Some media outlets linked the Russian moves to the killing of a large number of Russian mercenaries near Deir al-Zour two weeks ago, referring to Moscow, although not formally declared losses, believes that the powerful US strike is a message to the Russian military leadership delivering a new strategy for Washington.
