ISDEI Instituto de Seguridad, Defensa y Estudios Internacionales

Photo : Russian Defense Ministry UPDATE:  The Russian military says that a UAV was intercepted. On May 21, Russian air defense systems, allegedly a Pantsir-S short to medium range system, launched at least four missiles at “unidentified” targets over the Khmeimim air base in Syria, according to local sources. According to some sources, the missiles intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by militants. The number of the intercepted UAVs is unknown. Previously, Russian forces interceped two UAVs armed with projectiles on April 24.

Israel’s first two F-35 stealth fighter jets on their maiden flight as part of the Israeli Air Force on December 13, 2016. (Israel Defense Forces) F-35I stealth fighters of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have participated in strikes on Syria, Israel’s air force commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin  said on May 22 . “The F-35 squadron has become an operational squadron. We are flying the F-35 all over the Middle East. It had become part of our operational capabilities. We are the first to attack using the F-35 in the Middle East and have already attacked twice on different fronts,” he said. According to Maj. Gen. Norkin, the F-35I stealth fighter did not participate in the last strike in Syria but did in two previous ones. The Israeli military declared initial operational capability of the F-35I stealth fighter in December after receiving nine F-35I warplanes. The IAF is expected to receive a total of 50 jets to make two full squadrons by 2024. Speaking at the IAF Senior Air F