Clears up a few questions, if training of Syrians still has to be done the systems must so far be manned by Russians but rumors of Iranian involvement can be put to rest
Major General Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, revealed that Russian military advisers are still training personnel of the Syrian Arab Air Defense Forces (SyAADF) on the use of the advanced S-300 long-range air defense systems, which were delivered to Syria earlier this month.
“I suggest all hot-heads to step away from provocations and evaluate the situation in a logical manner,” Maj. Gen. Konashenkov said during a press briefing, according to the Russian news agency Sputnik.
The Russian MoD spokesman also revealed that the SyAADF personnel are training on the use of the advanced Polyana-D4M automated command and control system, which had never been exported before. The system serves as an upper level command post (CP) of air defense brigades and can command different types of systems, including S-300 and Buk.
Russia took the decision to supply Syria with these advanced systems following the downing of the Il-20 intelligence plane on September 17. According to the Russian MoD, these systems will improve the security of Russian service members in Syria.
Source: South Front