Russia's MiG-29SMT Arrive in Syria to See Their First Combat Test

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on September 13 that the Russian Aerospace Forces have deployed some MiG-29SMT Fulcrum multirole combat aircraft to Hmeymim airbase near Latakia in western Syria. The air base also operates the powerful Su-30 and Su-35 jets. This is the first combat test for the SMT version of the iconic MiG-29 fighters. In May, Russian Defense Minister said 86% of Aerospace Forces crews had seen combat in Syria. There will be more with the Mig-29SMT’s arrival to take part in Operation Retribution.