Moscow delivers S-300 missile system to Syria for defense of Russian naval base

• US suspends Syria ceasefire talks with Russia, blames Moscow
• US close to suspending Syria talks with Russia as Aleppo battle rages
• UN aid convoy hit by warplanes in Syria

The information about the S-300’s deployment was confirmed by ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov.

“Indeed, the Syrian Arab Republic received an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system. This system is designed to ensure the safety of the naval base in [Syrian city of] Tartus and ships located in the coastal area [in Syria]…” he told the media.

A Russian S-300 missile system. (Photo: Sputnik)

Konashenkov said it is unclear why the deployment of the missile system has created such a fuss in the West.

“The S-300 is a purely defensive system and poses no threat,” he said.

He recalled that before the deployment of S-300, Russia had delivered Fort air defense missile systems to Syria.

The statement comes after a report by Fox news that a Russian S-300 was deployed to Syria. The media cited three US officials who claimed that Moscow “continues to ramp up its military operations in Syria.”