Satellite Photos Show S-300 Air Defense Systems May Soon Be Operational

Russian S-300 air defense systems supplied to Syria may be nearing operational status, reports the Jerusalem Post. 

Three launchers have been erected at a base in Masyaf, in the northwestern Hama province, according to satellite imagery released on Tuesday. 

This was the first time that launchers were photographed while raised, although not necessarily the first time they have been erected, reported the Times of Israel. 

The activity could indicate an increased level of operation readiness, said ImageSat International.

A fourth launcher appears to be covered in camouflage, an unusual practice that raises questions about its operational readiness as well as that of the whole battery, said the Israeli satellite imaging firm. 

Russia delivered the air defense system in October after an Israeli mission in Syrian airspace caused Syrian air defenses to down a Russian cargo plane.