A recent video captured by a drone from the Syria TV channel shows that Russia still maintains dozens of combat aircraft at the Khmeimim airbase in Syria. The footage provides a detailed view of the infrastructure used by Moscow’s forces, including radar setups, air defense systems, storage facilities, and depots. Following the fall of the Assad regime, Russia’s presence in Syria remains uncertain, especially given the support Moscow provided to the regime during the brutal civil war.
Thanks to the sequences recorded by the Syrian news outlet, it has been confirmed that the Russian Aerospace Forces currently have at least four Su-34 fighter-bombers, seven Su-24s, and four Su-30SM2s stationed at Khmeimim. These aircraft are housed in reinforced shelters, a type of protection notably absent in Russian bases on home territory. This lack of infrastructure has proven costly for Russia, as Ukrainian attacks have damaged and destroyed numerous combat aircraft and helicopters over nearly three years of conflict.
At the time the drone captured this footage, the Khmeimim base also hosted three Il-76 transport aircraft and a solitary An-72. Additionally, distant hangars revealed several Mi-8 personnel transport helicopters.
A significant detail in the video is the presence of air defense systems: the footage clearly shows protected positions for Pantsir systems, as well as an S-400 battery. Interestingly, the launchers appear to be in a horizontal position, indicating they are not operational. The video also captures a Kasta 2 low-altitude surveillance radar.
With the situation in Syria still unresolved, the ability of Moscow to sustain its position in Syrian territory remains uncertain. Russia operates two major bases in Syria—the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval base—alongside other smaller facilities. The unrestricted support provided by Putin to the Assad regime during the civil war initially suggested a rapid withdrawal from Syria, but the evolving context may favor Moscow’s continued presence.
Recent reports indicate that Syrian rebel forces and Russia are engaged in negotiations to reach an agreement allowing Moscow to maintain its military presence in Syria. Such an agreement could enable Russia to retain a critical logistical foothold in the Mediterranean while potentially reinstating the air cover it previously provided, thereby once again limiting the actions of Israel and the U.S. in Syrian airspace.
Cover image: Screenshot from Syria TV.
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