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Israel: Russian Air Power in Syria Remains Robust
(Defense News) Barbara Opall-Rome - Russian air power in Syria remains substantial, with newly deployed attack helicopters replacing many of the fighter bombers that returned home, a senior Israel Air Force officer said. Russian President Vladimir Putin "changed the shape of the forces, but he didn't evacuate. He's brought in different assets and returned things he had less use for....Now there's more emphasis on air support by attack helicopters....He still has a significant force there [with which] he can do almost whatever he wants." Contrary to expectations of a large-scale withdrawal, Israeli intelligence assessments project a protracted Russian presence in Syria, including indefinite deployment of S400 air defenses. The officer praised the professional manner in which Israeli and Russian forces have been working to prevent unintended clashes in the skies over Syria.