Is this escalation or simply over inflated hyped up BS?

2015-08-20T01:42:49-04:00

From "IHS 360 Janes"

Syria reportedly receives MiG-31 interceptors from Russia

The Syrian government has received six MiG-31 'Foxhound' interceptor aircraft from Russia under a deal that was said to have been signed in 2007, a regional media source has reported.

The aircraft recently arrived at Mezze Airbase on the outskirts of Damascus, the Turkish BGN News agency reported on 16 August.

Syria was reported to have ordered eight MiG-31 combat aircraft as part of a wider defence deal with Russia in 2007. Although this deal was confirmed at the time by the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Alexei Fyodorov, it was later denied by Anatoly Isaykin, director of state arms export bureau Rosoboronexport, who in 2010 described the sale as "a journalistic hoax". Neither the Russian nor the Syrian authorities have so far commented publicly on the reported deliveries.

The MiG-31 first entered Soviet service in the early 1980s as a long-range, high-altitude, and high-speed interceptor. Although relatively old, it is still a highly capable platform that features some of the latest sensor and weapons fits.

EDITORIAL COMMENT:- The possibility that Mr. Assad simply wants to stuff socks into his flight suit and have his picture taken cannot be completely discounted.

http://www.janes.com/article/53660/syria-reportedly-receives-mig-31-interceptors-from-russia?utm_campaign=[PMP]_PC5308_J360%2014.08.15%20%28Copy%29_KV_Deployment&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Syria reportedly receives MiG-31 interceptors from Russia - IHS Jane's 360

The Syrian government has received six MiG-31 'Foxhound' interceptor aircraft from Russia under a deal that was said to have been signed in 2007, a regional media source has reported. The aircraft recently arrived at Mezze Airbase on the outskirts of Damascus, the Turkish BGN News agency reported

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 20 at 2015 1:48 AM

2015-08-20T01:48:20-04:00

Expensive targets.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Aug 20 at 2015 2:02 AM

2015-08-20T02:02:37-04:00

They need them. They are getting jack by the anti air.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 2:33 AM

2015-08-20T02:33:00-04:00

They are losing planes and other military equipment. As much as they are replenishing it they will lose it again. They need the air power to maintain what little they have. If they lose their Air Power they will fall as a country. He is only buying his time. I doubt that they will do anything more with his they hope they can avoid getting shot down by the rebels.