02OCT2017 – Situation:
New evidence has emerged indicating that a second Russian S-400 Surface-to-Air missile system has been deployed to Syria. The deployment of this system significantly bolsters Russia’s air defense capabilities within the region.[1] According to IHS Jane’s, the S-400 was deployed in the mountainous terrain northwest of Masyaf, between the period of April to July 2017 (See Figure 1).[2]
Figure 1: Site of second Russian S-400 battery northwest of Masyaf. Credit: IHS Janes
Brief Overview Russia’s S-400 Surface-to-Air System:
Developed by Russian Almaz Antei Design Bureau, the S-400 air defense system represents the latest generation of Russia’s anti-air capabilities. With a mobile deployment time of only five minutes; this system is capable of tracking and engaging up to 300 targets simultaneously from a max engagement range of 25 kilometers.[3] Currently, Russia possess 10 S-400 systems, with two of these being forwardly deployed to Syria.[4]
Figure 2: S-400 System capabilities and associated radar systems. Credit: Sputnik News
Why is this Important?
The presence of a second highly sophisticated S-400 system in Syria only bolsters Russia’s projection of air power. At a time when discord between Russia and US-led coalition forces has increased (following the death of Russian Lt. General Valery Asapov); the confirmed presence of a second system complicates relations further. Moreover, with an official linkage between both Russian and Syrian air defenses, creating a “unified integrated air defense system”; the presence of a second battery expands the Syrian regime’s aerial denial capabilities as well.
Yet, US and coalition forces do not appear to be shifting strategy any time soon. In an interview with the Air Force Times, Lt. Gen. Charles Brown Jr, head of US Air Force Central Command stated (in regards to a second S-400 system in Syria): “It does complicate things a little bit, and we’ll put some thought to it, but we still have a job to do here, and we’re going to continue to do that job – to defeat Daesh [the Islamic State].”[5]
However, US-led coalition forces could be facing more problems. On 29SEPT2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss ongoing situation in Syria.[6] Part of this discussion involved the possible selling of Russian S-400 systems to Turkey; A topic on which Putin commented “(Russia) is ready for this”.[7] Nevertheless, no agreement between Russia and Turkey on the missile systems has been reached. Thus, it remains unclear as to if/when, the number of systems, and how long this potential arms agreement between Russia and Turkey will last.
Figure 3: President Vladimir Putin met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey in Ankara on 29SEPT2017. Credit: Arab News
What is apparent however, is that relations between Russia and the US are likely to continue to worsen. Especially if an agreement is made in regards to Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 systems.
Sources:
[1] http://www.janes.com/article/74500/second-russian-s-400-in-syria-confirmed
[2] Ibid
[3] https://sputniknews.com/infographics/201509261027578863/
[4] https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/jwafa228-cis#S-400
[5] https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-deploys-s-400-missile-battery-in-syria-state-media-says/
[6] https://www.rt.com/news/404895-putin-erdogan-syria-visit/
[7] https://www.timesofisrael.com/putin-says-hes-ready-to-sell-s-400-anti-aircraft-system-to-turkey/
The Zerah Project 
[…] USD 3 billion deal that’s to be officiated at the end of October, will see Russia’s most advanced aerial denial weapon: The S-400, sold to Saudi Arabia.[iv] Which, according to Former NATO and European Commander, Adm (RET) James […]
LikeLike