Syria: Russia’s military proving ground
The Soviet military fell apart in 1989. Putin, early in his rule began to rebuild it. It demonstrated a new type of warfare in Crimea and the Ukraine. But in Syria Russia is testing its new weapons platforms and tactics.
In the past decade, Russia has made a strategic breakthrough in terms of developing its military, but before its operations in Syria, it had not tested its armed forces in combat. In this regard, Syria became the perfect laboratory for mastering skills and testing equipment of the Russian military machine.
***
Conclusion
In terms of experience, the Syria campaign has provided significant benefits to all Russian armed forces.
Russia found ample opportunities to use and test precision-guided munitions in direct combat. It was able to test tactical engagement of UAVs in a variety of operations, including reconnaissance and correction of indirect fire. Even the reported drone attack on Khmeimim air base will be meticulously studied and used to find ways to establish an appropriate defense system in highly strategic places such as the Kerch Strait Bridge between the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. 22 Russian aerospace forces also made real breakthroughs in flight hours in all branches and gained experience on how to to organize defenses against UAVs.
Because of the Syria campaign, Russia is able to project power beyond of its “Near Abroad” and to solve logistical and supply problems. It also got indispensable experience in organizing, employing, and integrating military forces.
In Syria, Russia also is tackling problems related to arms export. Recently, during the meeting of the Commission for Military Technical Cooperation with Foreign Countries, Putin once again stated that in the Syria campaign Russia succeeded in demonstrating the “exceptional reliability and effectiveness” of Russian arms. 23 It no doubt was a call to potential buyers.
While Russia is trying to demonstrate to the West the strength of its military and its ability defend itself, according to Jane’s , Moscow is about announce the deepest cuts of military expenditures since the early 1990s. 24 Even if these cuts happen, it is likely Russia will continue military operations in Syria.
The Syria campaign brought Russia a chance to reshuffle the army inherited from the old Soviet Union. It has given Moscow mobile and experienced forces for external and domestic use, with less budget burden. Instead of military drills, forces have gained battle experience in Syria.