Russian agency: S-400 missiles already deployed in Syria

In this Tuesday May 7, 2013 file photo, Russian S-400 air defense missile systems make their way through Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia. AP

MOSCOW — Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news agency is reporting that Russia has already deployed long-range air defense missiles at its base in Syria.

Moscow announced the move on Wednesday, saying the missiles would help destroy any target that may threaten its warplanes there following the downing of a Russian military jet by Turkey.

RIA Novosti on Thursday quoted its own reporter on the ground saying as S-400 missiles have been delivered.

The S-400s are based in Syria’s coastal province of Latakia, just 50 kilometers (30 miles) away from the border with Turkey and are capable of striking targets within a 400-kilometer (250-mile) range with deadly precision. TVJ