Straight Shooters: Russian Planes Never Miss Their Targets in Syria

Russian military aircraft have only targeted militants in Syria, according to a top military official.

"The Russian Air Forces haven’t launched a single strike against civilian targets in Syria," Russian Aerospace Forces Commander Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev told media.

Russian pilots are well-trained and "never missed, never hit any schools, hospitals or mosques," he added. Bondarev pointed out that the airborne campaign waged by Russia against Islamist militants in Syria was meticulously planned and that Russian forces closely cooperate with the Syrian leadership.

He added that the deployment of the S-400 surface-to-air missile system in Syria helped "establish order in Syrian airspace," Bondarev remarked.

He also said that "in 2017 the Russian Aerospace forces will start receiving new T-50 fighter aircraft."

The T-50 (PAK FA) is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, and Russia’s first warplane to use stealth technology. The aircraft will be used to achieve air superiority and assist in ground attacks.

Russia launched its airborne campaign against Daesh militants in Syria on September 30 at the behest of President Bashar Assad. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian aircraft had carried out a total of 5,240 sorties since the start of the air operation.