Putin raises Syria stakes with threat to Nato jets

Russian Mil Mi-24 combat helicopters at the Hmeymim airbase
Russian Mil Mi-24 combat helicopters at the Hmeymim airbase
TASS/CORBIS

Russia has sent sophisticated jamming equipment to Syria that could blind Nato pilots in a further escalation of the stand-off in the Middle East.

The Krasukha-4 system has been spotted at a Syrian airfield being used by Russian fighter jets and its presence has been confirmed by US officials. The mobile system can disrupt surveillance by drones, satellites or western early warning aircraft.

It has a range of 186 miles (300 kilometres), can also disrupt the systems of radar-guided missiles and would allow Russia to enforce a no-fly zone over President Assad’s military.

Russian weaponry in Syria includes the rapid fire BM-30 rocket systems as the Kremlin prepares to back a ground offensive by regime forces. President Putin’s stated aim is to take on Islamic