Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has determined an increase in major
Russian arms sales to Syria amid the revolt against President Bashar Assad.

The U.S. Congress has been told that the Assad regime was equipped with
a range of air and coastal defense systems to Damascus in 2011.

The Congressional Research Service cited such platforms as the Pantsyr-S1 and Buk-2 air defense systems.

In a report titled “Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International
Response,” CRS said 2011 marked the delivery of major Russian military platforms to Syria. Authors Jeremy Sharp and Christopher Blanchard reported that Assad received the 96k9 Pantsyr-S1 and Buk-2M air defense systems as well as the Bastion coastal defense system and the Yakhont anti-ship cruise missile.

“Thirty-six Pantsyr-S1 mobile air-defense systems were delivered between 2008 and 2011,” the report, dated July 12, said. “Approximately 700 surface-to-air missiles intended for use with the Pantsyr mobile air-defense systems were delivered between 2008 and 2011.”

CRS said two Bastion mobile coastal systems were delivered from 2010 to
2011. The systems included the arrival of 72 cruise missiles with a range of
300 kilometers.

The report said the deliveries in 2011 were the largest in at least five
yeras. In 2007, Syria ordered the MiG-29SMT fighter-jet in wake of the
Russian export of the Igla 9K38 vehicle-mounted
low-altitude surface-to-air missile.

“Twenty-four MiG-29 fighter aircraft were ordered in 2007, delivery
pending,” the report said.

  Bashar Assad, Bastion mobile defense coastal systems, Congressional Research Service, MiG-29SMT fighter, Pantsyr-S1 and Buk-2M air defense systems, Report: Russia recorded major military exports to Syria in 2011, Yakhont anti-ship cruise missile