Russia has deployed one of the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems in its arsenal, the S-300VM "Antey-2500," to Syria to improve security of the Russian Aerospace Forces, but the "purely defensive" complex will also help make the situation in the war-torn Arab country more calm, journalist Evgeny Krutikov wrote for Vzglyad.

This added bonus is due to�the psychological effect of�a cutting-edge weapon present in�the region.

"High-tech and purely defensive anti-ballistic missile systems contribute to�decreased activity and psychologically reduce risks," Krutikov asserted. "The S-300VM's sheer presence in�Tartus psychologically limits capabilities of�the US Air Force."

The journalist maintained that the Pentagon is "pathologically afraid" of�any losses, particularly high tech losses. If there is even a minimal risk of�losing a warplane, the US military will most likely chose not to�send it on�a mission.

"Although Americans understand that Russian missile defense and anti-aircraft systems are not targeted against�Western aviation, they will limit their aerial activities just in�case. Perhaps, this could also include unmanned aerial vehicles stationed at�the Incirlik base in�Turkey," he explained. Krutikov emphasized that the deployment of�the S-300VM to�Tartus was a "measured and justified step" for�Russia. "In the end, security of�the Russian military bases is a top priority" for�Moscow, he said. "If it also makes the US Air Force less active in�the region, it will be an extra bonus."

The journalist also noted that there indeed was a risk that an arms race in�the region could ensue, but�stated that this situation was not created by�Moscow.

In service since�2013, the S-300V4 (NATO designation SA-23 Gladiator) is meant to�track and intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missile, aeroballistic and cruise missiles, as�well as�fixed-wing aircraft, ECM (electronic countermeasure) platforms and precision-guided munitions. An unnamed source in�Russian military and diplomatic circles told Izvestiya that the S-300V4, an upgraded version of�the S-300VM, is primarily geared up�for destroying aeroballistic targets and cruise missiles. The system is reported to�have a range of�400 kilometers (nearly 250 miles) and can simultaneously engage up�to 24 aircraft or 16 ballistic targets in�various combinations. It has been designed and is manufactured by�Almaz-Antey, a Russian state-owned defense company.

By Sputnik