November 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News

Putin: Turkey Shot Down Russian Jet To Protect Islamic State Oil RFE/RL 30 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Turkey of shooting down a Russian warplane in order to protect the Islamic State's lucrative oil trade, the latest in a series of inflammatory statements made by Moscow against Ankara.
Turkey-Russia Spat Fuels Fears of Syrian Conflict Spiraling Out of Control VOA 30 Nov 2015 -- U.S. diplomats and military officials are urging Russia and Turkey to tone down their rhetoric, worried the growing dispute over last week’s downing of a Russian fighter plane near the Turkish border with Syria could further enflame an already embattled region.
Turkey says won't apologize to Russia over jet downing Press TV 30 Nov 2015 -- Ankara has ruled out offering an apology to Moscow over Turkey's downing of a Russian jet near the Syrian border, repeating its claim that the move had been defensive in nature.
Russia-Turkey Diplomatic Row Continues Over Downed Russian Plane RFE/RL 30 Nov 2015 -- The diplomatic dispute continued on November 30 between Russia and Turkey over the downing of a Russian warplane by a Turkish fighter jet, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
Putin: Russia Has Evidence Su-24 Shot Down to Protect Daesh Oil Deliveries Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- Discussing the matter with world leaders during the Paris climate talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has evidence that the Su-24 was shot down by Turkey to protect oil deliveries of the ISIL terrorist group, also known as Daesh, and that oil from IS-controlled fields is being exported to Turkey on an industrial scale.
Turkish PM 'Understands' Russia's Reaction Over Su-24 Pilot Death Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- Ahmet Davutoglu said Monday he understands Russians' feelings over the death of the pilot shot down by Turkey over Syrian airspace.
Erdogan Shot Down By Army Chief for Commenting on Downed Russian Bomber Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- Reports are emerging that the Turkish president is now at odds with his army's joint chief of staff after remarking that Ankara did not know that the warplane was Russian when targeting it; "had the politicians kept quiet, we could have resolved the problem very fast," the Turkish media quotes an informed military source as saying.
Obama Urges Putin to Reduce Tensions With Turkey VOA 30 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama voiced regret Monday to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Turkish shootdown of a Russian jet fighter last week, and he urged the Kremlin leader to reduce tensions with Turkey over the incident.
US: Downed Russian Jet Violated Turkish Airspace VOA 30 Nov 2015 -- The United States has evidence from its own sources and from Turkey that the Russian jet shot down on the Turkey/Syria border last week violated Turkish airspace, a U.S. official said Monday.
Putin: Obama and I Have Common Understanding of Next Steps in Syria Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- Meeting on the sidelines of the Paris climate talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama discussed Syria and the need for a new Syrian constitution and elections.
Russia's Su-34 Jets Launch First Mission With Air-to-Air Missiles Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- For the first time since the operation's beginning Russian Su-34 bomber jets have conducted sorties in Syria with air-to-air missiles on Monday, the Russian Aerospace Forces spokesman said.
Upgraded Tu-160M2 Bomber to Get Brand New Weapons Control Systems Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Tupolev Tu-160M2, a modernized variant of the legendary Tu-160 supersonic strategic bomber, is expected to become 'an entirely new aircraft,' with all-new components more than doubling its effectiveness. Now, developers involved in the plane's modernization have announced that they will be installing brand new weapons control systems.
Israel Says Russian Warplane 'Briefly' Entered Airspace Over Golan Heights Sputnik 29 Nov 2015 -- An aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces task unit deployed to Syria entered by mistake the Israeli-controlled airspace over Golan Heights and left it, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon reported.
Putin approves economic sanctions against Turkey after downing of fighter jet People's Daily 29 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a decree imposing economic sanctions against Turkey after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian-Turkish border Tuesday.
Turkey Returning Body of Russian Pilot VOA 29 Nov 2015 -- Turkey said Sunday it is returning the body of a pilot who died after parachuting out of a Russian jet that was shot down by Turkish forces last week.
Russia has right to military response to Turkey's 'criminal act': Duma chairman People's Daily 28 Nov 2015 -- The shootdown of a Russian warplane by Turkish fighters was 'a criminal act' committed by Ankara, and Russia has the right to a military response, a top Russian official said here Friday.
Turkish president 'sad' about Russia plane downing Press TV 28 Nov 2015 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed "sadness" over a recent move by Turkey's military to shoot down a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border.
Russia Imposes Economic Restrictions Against Turkey After Downing of Su-24 Sputnik 28 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Saturday to boost national security and introduce economic measures against Turkey, the Kremlin press service said.
Erdogan 'Disappointed' Over Attack on Russian Su-24 Bomber Sputnik 28 Nov 2015 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday he was greatly disappointed over the downing of a Russian Su-24 plane and expressed hope that this would not happen again in the future.
Russia's Putin Orders Sanctions Against Turkey VOA 28 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called Saturday for economic sanctions against Turkey, four days after its air force shot down a Russian fighter jet near the Turkey-Syria border.
Iran General supervised operation to save Russian Su-24 pilot IRNA 28 Nov 2015 -- The pilot of the downed Russian Su-24 bomber was rescued in a joint operation supervised by the commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Qods Force Major General Qassem Soleimani.
US says Russia did not inform it of downed jet plan Press TV 28 Nov 2015 -- American officials have denied that the Russian military had given the details of its downed jet's flight plan to the Pentagon before the aircraft was shot down by Turkey inside Syrian territory.
Syrian Army, Russian Warplanes Press ISIL, al-Nusra Front in Key Provinces Sputnik 28 Nov 2015 -- Assisted by Russian forces, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has made impressive progress in the past 24 hours destroying ISIL, al-Nusra Front and other militant targets in the key provinces of Idlib, Latakia, Daraa, Sweida, Homs, Aleppo and Damascus, Fars News reported.
Putin Orders Sanctions Against Turkey RFE/RL 28 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered economic sanctions against Turkey over the shooting down of a Russian military jet near the Syrian border on November 24.
Russia's Gepard Nuclear Sub Returns to Northern Fleet After Servicing Sputnik 28 Nov 2015 -- The nuclear-powered attack submarine will undergo a naval combat training course shortly.
Russia Sanctions Turkey as Syria Coalition Efforts Fizzle VOA 27 Nov 2015 -- Russia is preparing sanctions against Turkey and stepping up military strikes over the downing of a Russian bomber along the Syrian border.
Russia, France to Boost Military, Intelligence Contacts - Kremlin Aide Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Russia and France will boost bilateral military and intelligence communications and monitor their effectiveness.
NATO Aims for Containment Policy Toward Russia – Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- NATO has once again set the course to 'contain' Russia and alter the balance of power in Europe to its advantage, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Kyiv Says Russia Cuts Coal Deliveries To Ukraine RFE/RL 27 Nov 2015 -- Ukraine's energy minister has told the parliament in Kyiv that Russia has begun to restrict coal supplies to Ukraine, days after the Kremlin threatened to punish Kyiv for a power blackout of Russian-annexed Crimea.
Erdogan warns Russia not to 'play with fire' Press TV 27 Nov 2015 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Russia not to "play with fire" amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over Ankara's recent downing of a Russian military aircraft over Syrian skies.
Turkish President Says Putin's Remarks 'Unacceptable' RFE/RL 27 Nov 2015 -- Turkey's president has said Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments after he met in Moscow with French President Francois Hollande were 'unacceptable.'
Turkish Pilots Informed Air Force Commander Before Downing Russian Su-24 Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- On Tuesday, a Russian Su-24 jet crashed in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the plane was downed by an air-to-air missile launched by a Turkish F-16 jet over Syrian territory, falling 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border.
Turkey, Russia Continue War of Words VOA 27 Nov 2015 -- The war of words between Russia and Turkey over the downing of a Russian warplane continued Friday, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warning Moscow not to 'play with fire.'
Only Syrian Army Can Fight Terrorists in Syria on Ground - Kremlin Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- The Syrian Armed Forces are the only real power that can tackle the Islamic State jihadist group and other terrorist organizations operating in Syria in ground operations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Russia conducts airstrikes near Turkish borders with Syria People's Daily 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia carried out 33 airstrikes Wednesday on militant positions in Syria's northern province of Aleppo near the Turkish borders, pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV said Thursday.
Russia Respects Romania's Decision to Deploy US Missile Defense Systems Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Moscow respects the decision of Bucharest to deploy the elements of the US global missile defense system on its territory, Russian lower house speaker Sergei Naryshkin said Friday.
Poland Budges on Purchase of Anti-Russia Missiles From US Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Poland's new defense minister Antoni Macierewicz announced that the government is suspending its agreement with the US defense contractor Raytheon for Patriot missiles, complaining that the contract's cost is too high while the term of delivery is too long.
Russia suspends military contacts with Turkey after downing of warplane People's Daily 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Defense Ministry said on Thursday that Moscow had suspended all military contacts with Ankara as ties between the two countries plummeted after the downing of a Russian warplane.
Putin: Turkey's downing of Russian jet betrayal by friend Press TV 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia's president says the Turkish Air Force's recent shooting down of a Russian bomber over Syria's airspace was an act of betrayal by a country Moscow considered to be its friend.
Russia to Develop New Armored Vehicle Evacuation Equipment by 2019 Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Next year's plans include developing reconnaissance vehicles, unified evacuation vehicles based on the Tornado truck, as well as tracked evacuation and repair vehicles.
Russia's Rosatom Ready to Work With Japanese NPP Equipment Suppliers Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Russia's state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom is ready to develop cooperation with Japanese equipment suppliers to construct nuclear power plants, Rosatom's first deputy CEO for international business and development said Friday.
Russian Military Holds Large-Scale Anti-Terrorist Drills in Amur Region Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Anti-terrorism units in Russia's Eastern Military District have conducted large-scale exercises to repel terrorist attacks in the Amur Region, the district's spokesman said Friday.
Erdogan Says Turkey Will Not Apologize for Downing Russian Su-24 Sputnik 26 Nov 2015 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ankara will not apologise to Russia for shooting down a Su-24 bomber jet.
Putin on Su-24 Downing: Ally Delivered Treacherous Stab in the Back Sputnik 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin called the downing of Su-24 Fencer bomber an inexplicable and treacherous stab in the back.
Putin: US Knew Flight Path of Russian Jet Downed by Turkey VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States knew the flight path of a Russian jet, shot down by Turkey last Tuesday, and should have informed Turkey, its coalition ally.
Moscow slams Poland for backing NATO's anti-Russia stance Press TV 27 Nov 2015 -- Russia accuses NATO member Poland of supporting the Western military alliance's 'desire' to contain Moscow's military might.
Moscow says killed terrorists in Su-24 search operation area Press TV 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia says it has killed terrorists in the search area of the downed Russian Su-24 jet inside Syrian territory near the border with Turkey after one of the two pilots of the ill-fated aircraft was saved.
Russia Helps Block Cross-Border Weapons Supply to ISIL in Syria's Latakia Sputnik 26 Nov 2015 -- The Syrian army with the support of Russian aircraft has blocked the cross-border supply of weapons to the Islamic State militants in the mountainous areas of the Syrian province of Latakia, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Russia to 'Do Everything Possible' to Achieve Syria Operation Goals Sputnik 26 Nov 2015 -- Russia will do everything to complete goals of its military operation in Syria to eliminate ISIL.
France, Russia Agree to Exchange IS Intelligence VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande said Thursday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to exchange intelligence on the Islamic State militants and other extremist groups in Syria to maximize the effectiveness of their bombing campaigns.
US impose more sanctions on Russia over Syria Press TV 26 Nov 2015 -- The United States has imposed more sanctions against Russia for supporting the Syrian government, while Moscow has denounced the move, saying Washington is playing "geo-political games".
Turkey Releases Audio Of Apparent Warning To Russian Jet RFE/RL 26 Nov 2015 -- The Turkish military has released what it says is an audio recording of an apparent warning issued to a Russian jet before it was shot down near the Syrian border.
Erdogan: No Apology for Downing of Russian Fighter Jet VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- Tensions remained heated between Ankara and Moscow Thursday following Turkey's shooting down of a Russian warplane near the Turkey-Syria border earlier in the week.
Putin Says Russia Awaiting Apology From Turkey RFE/RL 26 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he thinks Turkey's leadership is 'deliberately' pushing bilateral relations to a dead end.
Who Is Rocking The Boat In Karachayevo-Cherkessia And Why? RFE/RL 26 Nov 2015 -- This blog has noted before that, in some respects, the Karachayevo-Cherkessia Republic (KChR) can claim to be the poster child for the North Caucasus republics.
Russia's Gazprom halts gas delivery to Ukraine Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia's state-owned gas giant, Gazprom, has announced halting natural gas supply to Ukraine after Kiev failed to make upfront payments for more supplies.
Turkey does not want escalation with Russia after jet downing: Erdogan Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara does not want any escalation with Moscow following Turkey's recent downing of a Russian fighter jet inside Syria.
Russian jet entered Turkish airspace for only 'seconds': US official Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- The United States believes the Russian warplane that was shot down on Tuesday by Turkey near the border with Syria entered Turkish airspace for only several "seconds."
Turkish General Staff Says Shared Data on Su-24 Incident With Russia Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- The Turkish General Staff said Wednesday it had shared data on circumstances surrounding the downing of a Russian warplane with Russian military attache in Ankara and expressed readiness for further information exchange.
Turkish Prime Minister: I Gave Order to Shoot Down Russia's Plane Myself Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- As details continue to emerge about the downing of a Russian bomber along the Turkey-Syria border on Tuesday, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has admitted to personally giving the order to fire on the aircraft, Canadian news outlet ThinkPol reported.
Turkey Reportedly Sends Another 20 Tanks to Syrian Border Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- The Anadolu news agency reports that the Turkish authorities have sent tanks to its border with Syria.
Russian Su-24M received no warnings from Turkish jets: Surviving pilot Press TV 26 Nov 2015 -- The sole survivor of the downed Russian Su-24M Fencer jet says the Turkish jets did not issue any visual or radio warnings before shooting down the warplane.
Russia to deploy S-400 missile defense systems to Syria: Defense minister Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia will be deploying S-400 missile defense systems to Syria, the Russian defense minister says.
Russia plane downing planned provocation: Lavrov Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described the downing of a Russian warplane by the Turkish military as a "planned provocation," saying terrorist groups operating against the Syrian government are openly using the Turkish territory.
Mirror Images: Are Putin And Erdogan Too Much Alike To Compromise? RFE/RL 25 Nov 2015
Russia Builds Military Capacity Taking Into Account Global Situation Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that equipment criteria for modern armed forces weaponry was defined in accordance with state defense order-2015 and military infrastructure readiness.
First Arctic Helicopter Delivered to Russian Military Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Defense Ministry received its first helicopter developed for Arctic deployment, the Russian Helicopters manufacturer said Wednesday.
Russia's Western Military District Receives 2 Triumf Air Defense Systems Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- According to Russian Western Military District spokesman, two units of the advanced S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems were delivered to the district.
Iran, Russia in talks over major arms deal Press TV 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia and Iran are in talks over deliveries of the Russian-made weaponry as Tehran is interested in Moscow's entire range to replace its outdated military equipment, Vladimir Kozhin, Russian presidential aide on military-technical cooperation said Wednesday.
Iran Interested in Entire Range of Russian Arms Supplies - Putin's Aide Sputnik 25 Nov 2015 -- Iran is interested in the entire range of Russian arms, Vladimir Kozhin, Russian presidential aide on military-technical cooperation, said on Wednesday.
Turkish-Russian Tensions Put Central Asia In A Tough Spot RFE/RL 25 Nov 2015 -- Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane on November 24 has put most of the Central Asian states in an extremely awkward position. No one in Central Asia wants trouble with Russia, the former colonial master, but at the same time the Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, and Uzbeks are Turkic peoples and in the nearly 25 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ankara has played on cultural and linguistic affinities to successfully develop relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Lavrov: Turkey Downing Jet 'Planned Provocation,' but Not Going to War VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane 'looks like a planned provocation,' but that Russia is not going to war with Turkey.
Turkey Braces for Economic Repercussions After Downing of Russian Jet VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- The news that a Turkish fighter jet downed a Russian plane Tuesday could signal a further slump in Turkey's already sluggish economy. The country is trying to balance its two-pronged war with Kurdish militants and Islamic State fighters in Syria with rapidly increasing tensions with Russia, the country's No. 2 trading partner.
Russia confirms rescue of 2nd Su-24 pilot, deployment of air defense systems in Syria People's Daily 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia on Wednesday confirmed the rescue of the second pilot of the downed Russian Su-24 warplane, while air defense missile systems would be deployed in Syria.
Russia To Send Advanced Antiaircraft System To Syria RFE/RL 25 Nov 2015 -- Russia plans to deploy an advanced antiaircraft system at its military base in Syria.
NATO Backs Turkey But Seeks to Lower Tensions With Russia VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- NATO says it stands with Turkey following an emergency meeting in Brussels of its 28 ambassadors requested by Ankara to discuss the downing a Russian warplane Tuesday by Turkish jets .
Statement by the NATO Secretary General after the extraordinary NAC meeting NATO 24 Nov 2015 -- The North Atlantic Council has just held a meeting, an extraordinary meeting. And we have been updated by the Turkish Ambassador on the recent events. I have also spoken to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
NATO Secretary General statement following his meeting with President Gjorge Ivanov of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia NATO 24 Nov 2015 -- I just had an excellent meeting with President Ivanov where we discussed Skopje's path toward NATO membership and political developments in the country.
Russia Threatens to Cut Off Gas, Coal to Ukraine VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- Russia threatened Tuesday to cut off natural gas and to halt coal deliveries to Ukraine, worsening a dispute over a power blackout in Crimea.
Obama supports Turkey after it shot down Russian jet Press TV 24 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama has expressed US support for Turkey after it shot down a Russian warplane near Syria-Turkey border, saying Ankara has the right to defend its airspace.
Russian FM calls off forthcoming visit to Turkey Press TV 24 Nov 2015 -- The Russian foreign minister has canceled his forthcoming visit to Turkey planned for November 25 in the wake of Ankara's downing of a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border.
Turkish Jets Down Russian Warplane; Moscow Denies Plane Violated Turkish Airspace RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian warplane, saying it had violated the country's airspace, but Moscow said the aircraft had never strayed from Syrian territory and President Vladimir Putin called it 'a stab in the back.'
Ban concerned over downing of Russian plane by Turkish Air Force, urges measures to lower tensions UN News 24 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is seriously concerned over the downing of a Russian military jet by the Turkish Air Force earlier today, and has urged all relevant parties to take urgent measures with a view to de-escalating tensions, according to his spokesperson.
Obama, Turkey's Erdogan Confer on Downing of Russian Warplane VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- Hours after the Turkish shootdown of a Russian warplane along the Syria-Turkey border, U.S. President Barack Obama and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on the need to de-escalate tensions and prevent further incidents.
Russia deploys missile cruiser off Syria, says will target threats Press TV 24 Nov 2015 -- Moscow has deployed a missile cruiser off the coast of Syria after Turkish warplanes downed a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian-Turkish border.
Turkey Defends Decision To Shoot Down Russian Jet; Putin Calls It 'Stab In The Back' RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has defended Turkey's shooting down of a Russian fighter jet at the border with Syria, saying Ankara has the right 'to take all kinds of measures' against border violations according to international law.
Putin Accuses Turkey of 'Stabbing' Russia 'in the Back' After Fighter Downed VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Turkey of 'stabbing' Russia 'in the back' and supporting terrorism after Turkish F-16s shot down a Russian Su-24 fighter jet on border with Syria.
Russia to Conduct a Surveillance Flight Over Norway Under Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- Russian military experts will fly over the territory of Norway between November 23-27, acording to the National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center.
Britain Searches for 'Russian Submarine' Amid Defense Budget Talks Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- British and French forces are looking for what the UK media has termed a 'Russian submarine' as the country's navy calls for budget increases.
Russian airstrikes hit over 470 Daesh targets across Syria Press TV 23 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Air Force has bombed more than 470 positions of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group across Syria over the past 48 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry says
Russia Will Use Caspian Airspace Against ISIL as Long as Necessary - Putin Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- Russia will use the airspace over the Caspian Sea to carry out its airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria as long as it's necessary, Putin noted.
Gatecrashers: Russian Helicopters, Syrian Troops Poised to Retake Palmyra Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- Buttressed by Russian air support, the Syrian Army stands poised to rid the ruins of Palmyra of its latest ruiners.
Removal of Russian Equipment From Mistrals Completed Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- The removal of Russian radio-electronic systems from the French-built Mistral-class helicopter carriers commissioned but not received by Moscow is completed, a shipbuilding company DCNS spokesperson said Monday.
Russian Eastern Military District Receives World's Heaviest Mortars Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- According to Russia's Eastern Military District spokesman, the world's most powerful self-propelled mortars have entered into service with artillery units in Primorsky Territory.
Old Dog Learns New Tricks: Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier Keeps Evolving Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, will be modified in order to better accommodate the new aircraft it will be carrying, a representative of the Russian Navy said.
Russia to Begin New Su-35 Communication Equipment Supplies to China in 2016 Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- According to Russia's United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation press service, UIMC will begin supplying China with state-of-the-art communication systems for its newly purchased jet fighters next year.
Russia interested in resolving east Ukraine crisis: Foreign Ministry Press TV 22 Nov 2015 -- Russia has dismissed speculations that its anti-terror campaign in Syria has turned its attention away from the crisis in eastern Ukraine, saying Moscow is in fact the "most interested" side in resolving the standoff between Kiev and pro-Russia forces there.
Obama: Putin needs 'strategic adjustment' in Daesh fight Press TV 22 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama has called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to make a "strategic adjustment" in fight against Daesh terrorists in Syria.
Damascus, Moscow in Reconciliation Talks With Syrian Opposition Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- According to Syrian President Bashar Assad, Moscow's cooperation with the Syrian opposition is the most effective way to improve the situation.
Russia Plans to Rebuild Syria From Ashes - German Press Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- The German press reports on Russia's long-term plans to help rebuild Syria after the end of the war there, including renewed contracts for investment projects and a roadmap for a political resolution.
Russian Operation Against Terrorists Improves Situation in Syria - Assad Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- Situation in Syria has improved after Russia had started its air campiagn, president Assad told SANA.
With Russian Support, Syrian Army Advancing Toward Turkish Border Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- The Syrian regular army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) militia have taken advantage of a recent large-scale campaign of airstrikes by the Russian Aerospace Defense Forces against terrorist hideouts in the northwestern province of Latakia, taking control of the Zahia Heights, just 2 km from the Turkish border, Fars News Agency reports.
Western leaders extend sanctions on Moscow over Ukraine crisis Press TV 22 Nov 2015 -- Western leaders have agreed to extend sanctions against Moscow by six more months over the crisis in Ukraine.
Russia Develops New Tactical Missiles for Iskander-M System Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- Russia's defense industry is developing new missile types for the Iskander-M system, the Army's missile forces chief said on Sunday.
Baltic Leaders Balk At Anti-IS Coalition With Russia RFE/RL 21 Nov 2015 -- The presidents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have said their countries will not participate in any antiterrorism coalition if it includes neighboring Russia.
Russian Navy Testing Advanced Stealthy Frigate Sputnik 21 Nov 2015 -- Russia is continuing tests of an advanced frigate totally invisible to radar. A series of warships of this class are expected to be built for the Russian Navy, assistant Navy commander-in-chief Andrei Surov said.
Russia's Tu-95 Bomber Upgraded to Carry New Nuclear-Tipped Missiles Sputnik 21 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Aviakor aviation factory has delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces the first modernized Tu-95MSM strategic bomber/missile carrier, the company's press office reported.
'Bear's Newest Claws': Russia Unleashes Bigger, Better Missile on ISIL Sputnik 21 Nov 2015 -- Experts across the world seem to be impressed by the latest addition to Russia's war arsenal – the Kh-101 cruise missile, which has been spotted in footage released by the Russian Ministry of Defense earlier this week.
Moscow Asks Lebanon To Close Airspace For Russian Naval Maneuvers RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- Lebanon says it is studying a Kremlin request for it to close its airspace so that Russian forces can conduct naval maneuvers off of Lebanon.
'British jets intercept Russian bombers' Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Military sources in the UK say British fighter jets have taken off from an airbase in Scotland to intercept Russian bombers passing close to the UK's airspace over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday evening.
Turkey summons Russia envoy over Syria bombing 'very close' to border Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Turkey has summoned the Russian ambassador after Moscow's fighter jets allegedly carried out a heavy bombing raid inside Syrian territory 'very close' to the Turkish border.
Turkish Prime Minister Accuses Russia of Striking Syrian Turkmen Settlement Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu accused Russia on Friday of launching airstrikes on a Syrian Turkmen settlement in northern Syria, and called on Moscow to concentrate on destroying the Islamic State militant group.
Russia's Long-Range Bombers Carry Out 60 Sorties in Four Days Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Russia's long-range Tu-22M3 bombers carried out 60 sorties and destroyed 42 terrorist targets in Syria, the Air Force group commander told Vladimir Putin during a briefing.
Russian Air Force Carries Out 394 Sorties, Hits 731 Targets in Three Days Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Russian jets have carried out 394 sorties from the Hmeymim airbase in Syria in the last three days, base commander Alexey Maksimtsev told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Defense Ministry briefing.
Russian Lawmakers Call For Stepped-Up Measures Against Terror RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- A rare, joint session of the Russian legislature has called for tighter security measures and harsher punishments for terrorism-related activities as part of an effort to 'confront the terrorist threat in Russia and beyond.'
Kremlin Shifts Gears Toward War in Syria, Detente With West VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- With Russia now ruling the downing of Metrojet flight 9268 an act of terrorism following the attacks in Paris, the Kremlin is expanding its air campaign in Syria and calling for a grand global alliance against Islamic State. Yet Kremlin critics argue this 'window of opportunity' to end Russia's isolation depends on whether the Kremlin can distance itself from anti-western rhetoric it has promoted in recent years.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 19, 2015 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Nov 2015
Russian campaign in Syria doomed to fail, says Pentagon chief Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says Russia's military campaign against Daesh (ISIL) terrorists in Syria is "deeply mistaken and doomed to fail."
Russian Army Map 'Suggests Presence Of Ground Forces' In Central Syria RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Reports say a map shown by the Russian military on state television appears to show that a Russian artillery unit could be operating in the central Syrian region of Homs.
Possible Russia-West Rapprochement Over Syria Stokes Fears In Europe's East RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- France's surprise embrace of Russia in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris has raised concerns across the former Soviet bloc that Moscow wants to leverage the fight against Islamic extremists in Syria to secure Western concessions over Ukraine.
Russian, French Military Chiefs Discusses Joint Anti-Terrorism Efforts Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Chief of Russian General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov discussed in a phone call on Thursday with his French counterpart General Pierre de Villiers coordination of joint efforts in the fight against international terrorist organizations.
Russian Defense Ministry to Receive First Arctic Helicopter Late November Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia's first helicopter developed for Arctic deployment will be delivered to the Russian Defense Ministry by the end of November, the Russian Helicopters manufacturer said Thursday.
Russia Conducts First Nighttime Launch of Iskander Ballistic Missile Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia's military has conducted its first ever nighttime launch from its Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) mobile short-range ballistic missile system outside the city of Orenburg, the Russian Defense Ministry's Central Military District's press service said Thursday.
Russia Confirms Signing Contract With China on Delivery of 24 Su-35 Jets Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia and China have signed a contract on the delivery of 24 multirole Su-35 Flanker jet fighters, Rostec's director of international cooperation and regional policy Viktor Kladov said Thursday.
Russia, China Sign Contract For Su-35 Fighter Jets RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia and China have reportedly signed a deal for Beijing to buy 24 Su-35 fighter jets.
No Russian Troops Involved in Ground Operation in Syria - Kremlin Sputnik 18 Nov 2015 -- According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, no Russian ground troops are present in anti-terrorist operation in Syria.
Russia, France Will Create Joint Work Group in Syria - General Staff Sputnik 18 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Armed Forces are creating a joint task group with the French Navy against Islamic State (ISIL) militants in Syria, Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Andrei Kartapolov said.
Run for the Hills: ISIL Fighters Fleeing Raqqa Amid Russian Air Campaign Sputnik 18 Nov 2015 -- Islamic State fighters are fleeing Raqqa, the terrorist group's stronghold in Syria, as Russia and France have intensified airstrikes on their positions, Russian media reported on Wednesday.
Russia's Bombers Tu-160, Tu-95MS Go Through Baptism of Fire in Syria Sputnik 18 Nov 2015 -- Russia has stepped up its counterterrorism efforts in Syria by bringing in the Tupolev Tu-95 (Bear) and Tupolev Tu-160 (Blackjack) strategic bombers, as well as Tupolev Tu-22 (Blinder) medium bomber. On Tuesday, the aircraft hit ISIL targets for the first time since Moscow launched its aerial campaign in late September.
New Russian Commission Set Up To Combat Terror Financing RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has set up an interdepartmental commission to combat terrorism financing.
Daesh terrorists claim improvised bomb used in downing Russia plane Press TV 18 Nov 2015 -- The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has released a photo that shows an improvised bomb it claims to have used to bring down a Russian passenger plane flying over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in October.
IS: Soda Can Bomb Took Down Russian Jetliner VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State group has released a photo of what it claims is the bomb that took down a Russian jetliner over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula last month and says it targeted the plane because of Moscow's aerial bombardment in Syria.
Parsing Putin: Russia Sends Signals To The West In Statement On Jet Attack RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- A few hours after French President Francois Hollande called for Moscow and the West to fight Islamic State (IS) militants together in the wake of deadly attacks in Paris, Russia abruptly announced it was now certain a terrorist bomb blew a passenger jet to pieces over Egypt on October 31.
Russian Physicist Jailed For High Treason RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- A Moscow court has sentenced a physicist to nine years in prison on charges of high treason.
Obama: US Would Welcome Russian Focus on Islamic State VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday the U.S. would welcome Russia shifting more of its efforts in Syria to confronting the Islamic State group instead of 'propping up' Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia Proposes Ukraine Debt Restructuring RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to restructure Ukraine's $3 billion debt to Moscow.
Russian Strikes in Syria Leave Kiev Desperate to Organize Own Air Defenses Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- The successes of the Russian campaign of airstrikes in Syria appears to be giving authorities in Kiev the cold sweats, leaving them desperately trying to think of ways to reorganize the country's run-down air defense network.
Coalition Could Adjust Actions in Syria Amid Intensified Russian Campaign Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia informed the United States about planned operations to fire cruise missiles at the ISIL stronghold of Raqqa, according to US Defense Department spokesperson Michelle Baldanza.
Russian Airstrikes in Syria Will Continue, Intensify - Putin Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Airstrikes by the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria will not only continue, but will be intensified, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Russian Warplanes Help Syrian Forces Regain Strategic Villages in Latakia Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia's air strikes have been a force multiplier in the province of Latakia, where the Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have liberated a number of strategically-located villages, media reports said.
Russia's Newest Defense Satellite Placed in Orbit, Contact Established Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Defense Ministry established contact with it's latest satellite after it has been placed into target orbit.
Russia: Bomb Downed Passenger Jet; Putin Vows Vengeance VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia concluded Tuesday that a bomb brought down one of its passenger jets over the Sinai Peninsula last month, with President Vladimir Putin vowing vengeance against those who carried out the attack.
Russia Confirms Bomb Downed Plane Over Egypt, Vows Retribution RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin vowed "vengeance" after the country's security chief confirmed that a "terrorist act" had brought down a Russian passenger plane over Egypt last month.
Russia Confirms A321 Brought Down by Terrorist Explosive Device Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- An explosion of the homemade bomb of up to 1kg of TNT equivalent was the cause of the A321 crash in Sinai, Russian Security Service (FSB) head Alexander Bortnikov said.
Putin Orders MoD to Cooperate With French Naval Group Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Putin ordered the Moskva cruiser to cooperate with a French naval group in the fight against the Islamic State.
Russia Test Launches Topol Ballistic Missile Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- According to the Defense Ministry, Russia conducted on Tuesday a successful test launch of a RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile.
EU Mulls Direct Talks With Russian-Led Economic Bloc, Angering Some EU Members RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- EU diplomats, expecting rocky times ahead in their immediate dealings with Russia, are considering extending an olive branch.
40 states financing Daesh terror group, says Russian president Press TV 16 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says financing for the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group comes from dozens of countries, including some G20 member states.
Putin's Pioneers: Push For Russian Youth League Stirs Debate, Doubt RFE/RL 15 Nov 2015 -- As a youth growing up in Leningrad in the 1960s, Vladimir Putin was one of the few children in his school class who was not a member of the Soviet Young Pioneers. Now he seems determined not to let future generations of Russian children face such a fate.
Russia Acting in Sync With Moderate Opposition in Syria – Putin Sputnik 13 Nov 2015 -- Russia is cooperating with the moderate Syrian opposition, including the Free Syrian Army, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
Russia Denies Rumors of S-400 Air Defense Systems' Deployment in Syria Sputnik 13 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Defense Ministry spokesman denied media reports of alleged deployment of advanced S-400 Triumf air defense systems in Syria.
Russian Warplanes Hit 289 Terrorist Targets in Syria in Two Days Sputnik 13 Nov 2015 -- Russian warplanes have carried out 107 sorties and hit 289 terrorist targets in Syria over the past 48 hours, expanding the operation range from six to eight provinces, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
Syrian Army's Actions Backed by Russian Airstrikes Are Effective - Kremlin Sputnik 13 Nov 2015 -- Moscow considers the Syrian army's actions backed by Russian airstrikes to be effective, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Russia Admits To Some Doping As Suspension Decision Looms RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- Russia has submitted its formal reply to charges of widespread doping to the world athletics governing body, admitting to some charges and disputing others, a top official says.
Russian State Media Give More Details on 'Secret' Torpedo VOA 12 Nov 2015 -- The Kremlin has confirmed that two of Russia's main television channels broadcast details of a planned new nuclear torpedo, apparently accidentally, and said it hopes it will not happen again.
Russia Sends 44th Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Donbass – Emergencies Ministry Sputnik 12 Nov 2015 -- A humanitarian aid convoy of the Russian Emergencies Ministry started off for Ukraine's crisis-hit southeast (Donbass) early on Thursday, a ministry spokesperson told RIA Novosti.
Erdogan Makes 'Friendly Warning' to Russia Amid Military Operation in Syria Sputnik 12 Nov 2015 -- The victory of the pro-presidential party in the parliamentary elections in Turkey inspired Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to make sharp statements against Russia, the German newspaper Der Spiegel wrote.
Terrorist groups using CWAs in Mideast states: Russia Press TV 12 Nov 2015 -- Russia says it has learnt that Daesh and other Takfiri terrorist groups frequently use chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in Syria and Iraq, where they have swathes of land under control.
Russian Peace Plan For Syria Dismissed By West, Gulf States RFE/RL 12 Nov 2015 -- Western and Gulf Arab nations have dismissed a Russian plan for peace and reform in Syria and said it will not form the basis for talks in Vienna this weekend.
Putin on Space Industry: Russian Rockets Must Be Reliable and Competitive Sputnik 12 Nov 2015 -- President Vladimir Putin on Thursday urged the development of Russia's satellite grouping and the strengthening of Russia's position on space launch market as immediate priorities for the country's space industry.
Russian TV 'Mistakenly' Airs Plans For New Nuclear Weapon RFE/RL 12 Nov 2015 -- Last year, state TV told viewers that Russia was the only country capable of turning the United States into 'radioactive ash.' This week, two pro-Kremlin channels revealed how Moscow's military might go about doing it.
TV Channels Accidentally Air Images of Russia's New Secret Weapon Sputnik 12 Nov 2015 -- Russia is apparently developing an underwater drone which will be able to inflict massive damage to coastal areas as part of a top secret project known as Ocean Multipurpose System: Status-6.
Russian Policeman Found Guilty of Passing Russian State Secrets to CIA Sputnik 12 Nov 2015 -- The Moscow Regional Court has found a former Russian policeman guilty of espionage over selling Russian state secrets to the CIA, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday.
Russian Ex-policeman Convicted as CIA Spy VOA 12 Nov 2015 -- A court in Moscow has convicted a former policeman and sentenced him to 13 years in prison for passing state secrets to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.
FSB Says Ex-Interior Ministry Employee Convicted As U.S. Spy RFE/RL 12 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says a Moscow Regional Court has convicted a former employee of Russia's Interior Ministry on charges of high treason as a spy for the United States.
Russian, Indian Troops Destroy 'Terrorists' in Drills Sputnik 11 Nov 2015 -- Russian and Indian troops conducted an exercise operation to destroy contingent terrorists as part of the Indra-2015 international military drills in India's state of Rajasthan, the press service of Russia's Southern Military District said Wednesday.
Russia To Propose New Syrian Constitution, Election In Peace Talks RFE/RL 11 Nov 2015 -- In Syrian peace talks this weekend, Russia will call for drafting a new constitution that would be voted on and followed by an early presidential election, according to a draft of the plan.
Activist Says Russia Using 'Hybrid Warfare' In Syria RFE/RL 11 Nov 2015 -- The head of a team of Russian cybersleuths who have uncovered what they argue is a much more robust Russian military role in Syria than officially claimed, says the Kremlin seems to be following the 'hybrid warfare' playbook perfected in eastern Ukraine.
Russian Military Jets Hit 277 Terrorist Targets in Two Days Sputnik 11 Nov 2015 -- Russian military aircraft have carried out 85 sorties in two days, hitting 277 terrorist targets in six Syrian provinces, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Russia's Proposed Syria Plan Doesn't Drop Assad VOA 11 Nov 2015 -- Russia has circulated a plan for ending the Syrian civil war that calls for drafting a new constitution in up to 18 months, followed by presidential elections in 2017. Syrian opposition groups say the Russian proposals are aimed at keeping President Bashar al-Assad in power and are unacceptable.
How The Republican Presidential Hopefuls Would Take On Putin RFE/RL 11 Nov 2015 -- Foreign policy is not the driving issue of the U.S. Republican Party's primary campaign for the 2016 presidential nomination, but when the topic comes up, it often boils down to one name - Russian President Vladimir Putin - and how to deal with him.
Russia to Double Arms Tests for Strategic Missile Forces in 2016 Sputnik 11 Nov 2015 -- Nearly 160 models of diffrent types of weapons will undergo tests for the Strategic Missile Forces in 2016 - twice as many as in 2015.
Putin Instructs Gov't to Sign Agreement With Armenia on Joint Air Defense Sputnik 11 Nov 2015 -- Russia and Armenia will establish a unified air-defense system in the Caucasus.
Records Linking Russian Defense Minister's Daughter To Lavish Mansion 'Disappear' RFE/RL 10 Nov 2015 -- The saga of a multimillion-dollar, pagoda-style mansion allegedly tied to Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has taken a new twist, with activists accusing the federal government's main real estate registry of altering documents linking the property to his immediate family.
Russia Wants Syria Talks to Agree on List of Terrorist Groups VOA 10 Nov 2015 -- Moscow wants a second round of talks on Syria to come to an agreement on a list of terrorist groups operating in the country.
Russia developing systems to counter US missile system: Putin Press TV 10 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is working on weapons systems to counter the US's so-called anti-missile shield.
Kremlin Rejects Charges Of Systemic Doping By Russian Athletes RFE/RL 10 Nov 2015 -- The Kremlin has dismissed allegations from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about the systemic, state-sponsored use of banned performance-enhancing drugs by Russian athletes, saying the assertions were groundless.
Russia to Complete Construction of Military Bases on Kuril Islands in 2016 Sputnik 10 Nov 2015 -- RUssian Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov has urged construction companies to expedite work on building infrastructure at two military bases located on Kunashir and Iturup islands in the Kuril archipelago.
Putin: Russia Has Weapons Capable of Penetrating Any Missile Defenses Sputnik 10 Nov 2015 -- Russian defense companies have developed and successfully tested a number of advanced weapons systems capable of penetrating any missile defenses, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
Russian Court Upholds Decision to Classify Military Losses in Peacetime Sputnik 10 Nov 2015 -- Russia's Supreme Court has upheld the legality of a presidential decree on classifying military losses in peacetime, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the courtroom on Tuesday.
Russia's Eastern Military District to Obtain Orlan-10, Takhion UAVs in 2015 Sputnik 10 Nov 2015 -- Armed Forces of Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD) are expected to receive more than 10 Takhion and Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) before the end of the year, EMD press service said in a statement Tuesday.
US military to expand Europe presence over Russia Press TV 09 Nov 2015 -- US military officials have proposed plans to expand the American presence in Europe in a bid to counter Russia in the event of a crisis, a new report says.
Russia's Kalashnikov in Talks With India to Launch Joint Arms Concern Sputnik 09 Nov 2015 -- Kalashnikov CEO Alexei Krivoruchko said that concern has begun negotiations with Indian companies to produce weapons in the country.
'90 Percent' Certainty Russian Plane Downed By Bomb RFE/RL 09 Nov 2015 -- An official with the investigation into the crash of a Russian airliner in Egypt has said it was likely caused by a bomb.
Britain lists Russia as major national security threat Press TV 09 Nov 2015 -- Britain has listed Russia as one of its top-tier potential security threats alongside global terrorism and the Ebola virus.
Russia Negotiating With UAE Over Delivery of Su-35 Jets Sputnik 08 Nov 2015 -- Russia is negotiating with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) possible deliveries of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, Russia's state technologies corporation Rostec head Sergey Chemezov said Sunday.
Indonesia to Purchase Russian Su-35 Fighters, Construct Service Centers Sputnik 08 Nov 2015 -- Jakarta decided to purchase newest Russian Su-35 Fighters and discusses the construction of service centers in Indonesia, the head of the International Cooperation Department of Russian state technology corporation Rostec said Sunday.
Russia Delivers 1,000 Chemical Protection Suits to Iraq Sputnik 08 Nov 2015 -- Iraqi Parliament Defense and Security Committee Chairman Haqim Zamli said that Iraq has a big contract with Russia in the sphere of military and technical cooperation, within a framework of this contract Baghdad received Sukhoi aircraft, tanks and other armaments including protection suits.
Carter: Russia 'Way Off Track' in Syria VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says Russia is 'way off track' in its involvement in Syria.
Why Armenia's Military Alliance With Russia Is Not At Risk RFE/RL 07 Nov 2015 -- For many decades, the dominant discourse of Armenian political and intellectual leaders was summed up by an emblematic quote from Khachatur Abovian, a 19th-century Armenian writer. 'Blessed be the hour when the blessed Russian foot stepped upon our holy Armenian land,' Abovian wrote in his most famous novel, set during the Russian-Persian war in the South Caucasus.
Carter: Russia 'Way Off Track' in Syria VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says Russia is 'way off track' in its involvement in Syria.
Russian Plane's Black Boxes Point To Midair Bomb Attack RFE/RL 07 Nov 2015 -- International news media are reporting that black boxes from the Russian plane that crashed in Egypt last weekend indicate the plane came to a sudden, violent end in a midair explosion.
Russians Leave Egypt Resort With Hand Luggage Only RFE/RL 07 Nov 2015 -- Russians leaving Egypt are only being allowed to carry hand luggage onboard, and their other luggage is to be delivered later.
Egypt: Mystery Noise Was Last Sound from Doomed Jet VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- Despite increasing indications that a bomb destroyed a Russian passenger airliner last week high over the Sinai Peninsula, the head of Egypt's investigation team says no definite conclusions have been reached.
Grounding of Russian Flights to Egypt Supports Bomb Theory VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- Tens of thousands of Russians are trying to return home after Moscow suspended all flights to Egypt, a top tourist destination for millions, on increasing evidence that a bomb caused the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 over the Sinai on October 31. All 224 people on board were killed when the passenger jet disappeared from radar minutes after reaching cruising altitude.
Why is Russia Interested in Undersea Internet Cables? VOA 06 Nov 2015 -- It seems like something more fitting of a Cold War-era James Bond movie script than present-day reality: unnamed Pentagon officials circulating reports that Russian naval vessels and submarines are lurking around undersea cables that link the U.S. to Europe and Asia.
Ukraine, Baltic Leaders Slam Russian-German Pipeline Plan RFE/RL 06 Nov 2015 -- Ukrainian and the Baltic leaders have criticized a planned second Nord Stream pipeline to funnel natural gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
Russia To Suspend Flights To Egypt Following Sinai Plane Crash RFE/RL 06 Nov 2015 -- Russia has suspend?d passenger flights to Egypt in the wake of the plane crash last week that killed 224 people, mostly Russian citizens.
Putin Halts Russian Flights to Egypt VOA 06 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended all of his country's commercial flights to Egypt Friday as new evidence emerged suggesting that a bomb could have brought down the Russian jetliner that crashed into the Sinai Peninsula last weekend, killing all 224 people aboard.
NATO Chief Says West Must Counter Russian Military Buildup RFE/RL 06 Nov 2015 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg says that the alliance must counter a Russian military buildup from the Baltic to the eastern Mediterranean that could enable Moscow to control key areas in a crisis.
Lavrov Says Ukraine's Minsk Deadlines Should Be Extended Into 2016 RFE/RL 06 Nov 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says it is clear that deadlines on political reforms in Ukraine under the Minsk agreements need to be extended into 2016.
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 5, 2015 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Nov 2015
Russian Jet Violated Turkish Airspace in Oct. Due to Anti-Missile Maneuver Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- A Russian Aerospace Forces fighter was forced to violate Turkish airspace in October when it was conducting maneuvers to avoid a ground-based anti-missile defense system, Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Viktor Bondarev said Thursday.
India, Russia to Hold Joint Military Drills on November 7-20 Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- India and Russia will hold joint Indra-2015 military exercises in India's largest state Rajasthan on November 7-20.
Russian Warplanes Hit 263 Terrorist Targets in 2 Days Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- Russian warplanes have carried out 81 sorties and hit 263 terrorist targets over the past 48 hours in 8 provinces in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Free Syrian Army Adviser Confirms Talks on Meeting With Russian Delegation Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- Representatives of the Free Syrian Army have agreed to meet representatives of the Russian Defense and Foreign ministries in Abu Dhabi at the end of next week, one of the coordinators of the event told Sputnik.
Russia's Missile Systems in Syria Part of 'Constructive Approach' Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- The principle of full protection of Russian forces in Syria, including the use of missile defense systems, is in full accordance with the Russian approach to the situation in the region.
With Russia's Aerial Assistance, Syrian Army Lifts Aleppo Siege Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- Damascus-led forces assisted by Russian military aircraft have secured control over the main highway to Aleppo essentially freeing the strategic Syrian city which had been besieged for two weeks, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.
Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier Fires Anti-Aircraft Missiles in Barents Sea Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, held the first round of firing exercises in the Barents Sea on Thursday.
Russia's Military Reconnaissance Adopts Orlan, Eleron Drones Sputnik 05 Nov 2015 -- Military reconnaissance units of the Russian Armed Forces have started to use Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the Eleron and Orlan models, a Russian Defense Ministry's Land Force spokesman said Thursday.
Evidence Suggests Islamic State Bomb Downed Russian Plane RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Evidence now suggests that a bomb planted by the Islamic State (IS) group is the likely cause of a Russian airliner's crash over Egypt's Sinai peninsula, U.S. and European security sources said on November 4.
Moscow Angry It Was Not Handed Intelligence On Plane Crash RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Moscow has responded furiously to suggestions by U.S. and British officials that a Russian airliner that crashed over Egypt may have been brought down by a bomb.
NATO Alarmed About Russian Military Build-up VOA 05 Nov 2015 -- NATO's secretary-general says the alliance must counter a Russian build-up of military forces from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.
Russia has deployed missile defense systems to Syria: Russian air force chief Press TV 05 Nov 2015 -- Russia has deployed missile defense systems to Syria to protect its military forces and equipment stationed in the Arab country, the head of the Russian air force says.
Russia Sends Missiles to Syria to Protect Its Jets VOA 05 Nov 2015 -- The head of Russia's air force said Thursday the military has sent anti-aircraft missiles to Syria in order to protect the Russian planes that have been conducting airstrikes there since the end of September.
Putin's Dilemma: How To Respond If A Bomb Caused Sinai Air Crash RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Mounting evidence that an onboard bomb brought down the Russian jet that crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 people, poses a tough new dilemma for President Vladimir Putin: how to respond. If the theory of a terrorist attack is borne out, it will look like exactly what Islamic State militants have said it was: swift and deadly retaliation for Russia's military operation in Syria.
Can Ukraine Kick Its Russian Gas Habit? RFE/RL 04 Nov 2015 -- The head of Ukraine's state-owned gas company, Naftogaz, dropped a bombshell this week, vowing that the country could stop buying gas from neighboring Russia as soon as early 2016 if Kyiv is not offered a better price.
U.S. Says Russia Deploys Heavy Artillery In Syrian Battles RFE/RL 04 Nov 2015 -- A top U.S. State Department official says Russia has deployed heavy artillery near the battlefield cities of Homs and Hama, as Moscow deepens its on-the-ground support of the Syrian armed forces' offensive against rebels.
US: 85 to 90 Percent of Russian Airstrikes Hitting Syrian Rebels VOA 04 Nov 2015 -- Eighty-five to 90 percent of Russian airstrikes in Syria since last month have hit the moderate Syrian opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, and not Islamic State militant targets as Moscow claims.
US, Russian planes test safety protocols over Syria skies People's Daily 40 Nov 2015 -- A US fighter plane and a Russian fighter plane flew in the same airspace over Syria on Tuesday, testing new safety protocols designed to avoid air clashes between the two countries.
Russian Applications For U.S. Asylum Skyrocket In 2015 RFE/RL 04 Nov 2015 -- The number of new U.S. asylum applications by Russians has reached its highest level in more than two decades, a surge that immigration lawyers link to the Kremlin's tightening grip on politics, pervasive corruption, and discrimination and violence against sexual minorities.
U.S. Official: Countering Kremlin Propaganda Is Long-Term Effort RFE/RL 04 Nov 2015 -- A State Department official has said U.S. efforts to counter misinformation and propaganda generated by the Kremlin will be a long-term effort that includes bolstering independent media in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
Russian Naval Destroyer Leaves Strait of Gibraltar, Enters Mediterranean Sputnik 04 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Navy's Vice-Admiral Kulakov, an Udaloy-class destroyer, entered the Mediterranean Sea, a Northern Fleet spokesperson said Wednesday.
Russia Claims Cooperation With Opposition On Syria Air Strikes RFE/RL 03 Nov 2015 -- Russia's military claims it has carried out air strikes against 'terrorist positions' in Syria, for the first time, based on information obtained from moderate Syrian opposition fighters who are battling President Bashar al-Assad's regime as well as Islamic State (IS) militants and Al-Qaeda fighters.
Russian Jets Destroyed Over 2,000 Terrorist Targets Since September 30 Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces have carried out 1,631 sorties and destroyed 2,084 ISIL and Nusra Front targets in Syria since the start of the anti-terrorist air campaign in the country on September 30, the Russian General Staff said Tuesday.
Russian Warplanes Use Bunker Buster Bombs in Airstrikes in Syria Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces used two BETAB-500 bunker buster bombs in Tuesday's airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria, a spokesman for the Aerospace Forces in Syria said.
Russia: Keeping Syria's Assad in Power Not Crucial VOA 03 Nov 2015 -- The Kremlin is one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's strongest supporters, but a Russian spokeswoman said Moscow's policy does not depend, as a matter of principle, on Assad remaining in power.
Russia to Create New Space Launches Using Satan Ballistic Missiles by 2017 Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- The creation of new space launches using converted ballistic missiles, including the Satan, will be accomplished by 2017, a deputy director of a Rostech subsidiary said Tuesday.
Russian Oil Output Hits Post-Soviet High, Bests Saudi Arabia RFE/RL 03 Nov 2015 -- Russian oil production rose to a post-Soviet record of 10.78 million barrels a day last month, besting Saudi Arabia's output of 10.1 million and contributing to a renewed slump in oil prices.
Russia Set to Scrap 17 Outdated Topol Missile Launchers by 2017 Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- The Russian state space corporation Roscosmos is planning to dismantle a total of 17 outdated Topol mobile missile launchers by the end of 2016.
Russia Continues to Play Leading Role in International Arms Trade Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- Russia remains the second largest arms exporter in the world that constantly manages to discover new markets, Swiss newspaper Finanz und Wirtschaft wrote.
Russia's Eastern Military District Receives Iskander-M Missile Systems Sputnik 03 Nov 2015 -- A missile unit in Russia's Southern Military District located in the East Siberian Republic of Buryatia received Iskander-M (NATO reporting name SS-26 Stone) tactical missile systems, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
Indonesia Still Mulling Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets Purchase Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- Indonesia has not yet made a final decision on the purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) jets, an Indonesian Defense Ministry official said Monday.
Russia to Deliver 11 Military Transport Helicopters to Peru by Year-End Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Russian state technology company Rostec, will supply Peru with 11 Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters by the end of the year, the company's press service said Monday.
Stoltenberg Calls NATO Exercises in Southern Europe a 'Warning' to Russia Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- NATO is ready to quickly deploy ground, air or navy forces if necessary. The Trident Juncture military exercise gives a clear signal to any potential opponent of NATO, including Russia, NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC.
Russia to Develop Counter Measures to US Missile Defense System in Europe Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- Chief designer of the Russian 'Radio-Electronic Technology Concern' Yuri Majevski said that the enterprise is working on measures which would counter the deployment of the US anti-missile defense system in Europe.
Kalashnikov Concern Boosts Arms Sales to Asia-Pacific Region in 2015 Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- In 2015 the Kalashnikov Concern increased ninefold sales of its firearms for the civilian market in Asian-Pacific region compared to 2014.
Russia State Arms Exporter Profits From Mistral Ship Contract Cancellation Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- Rosoboronexport has been fully reimbursed by France for the cost of constructing two Mistral-type warships and even profited from the contract's termination.
Russian Navy New Submarine Krasnodar to Enter Service Thursday Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- The Krasnodar, a new diesel-electric submarine, will be put into service of the Russian Navy on Thursday, Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Russia, India Sign Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- Russia and India signed a military-technical cooperation agreement.
Russian Eastern Military District Receives Some 400 New Military Vehicles Sputnik 02 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Eastern Military District has been supplied with some 400 new military trucks since the beginning of the year, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
Indo-Russian Cruise Missile Launched From Advanced Warship, Hits Mach 2.8 Sputnik 01 Nov 2015 -- A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has successfully been test-fired from the state-of-the-art Indian stealth destroyer INS Kochi.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

November 2015 - Russia Special Weapons News