Russia to keep its most advanced S-400 air defense systems in Syria

Sergei Ivanov, the Kremlin's chief-of-staff, was quoted as saying Tuesday that the advanced S-400 air missiles would stay in Syrian after Russia’s partial military pullout. "In order to efficiently ensure security, including from the air, the most advanced air defence systems are needed," he said in answer to a question. With a range of up to 400 km, DEBKAfile reports that the S-400 covers most of northern and central Israeli air space as well.