MOSCOW. Jan 16 (Interfax) - The reduction of the Russian grouping in Syria will not affect the S-300 air defense missile systems and Bastion coastal complexes, these will provide protection for the Russian Navy base in Tartus, an informed source told Interfax on Sunday.
"Support from the air and the sea for the Russian Navy's supply and maintenance base in Tartus will continue being provided by the S-300 air defense missile systems as well as Bastion coastal missile complexes with cruise missiles," the source said.
Last October the Russian Defense Ministry said that S-300 systems (designed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey) had been sent to Syria to provide security for the Navy's base in Tartus and its task force ships in the coastal zone.
According to some data, Tartus is being protected by a battery of an S-300V4 system. It is a brand new air defense system that will provide protection against missiles and airstrikes at long range.
A new truce has been in place in Syria since December 30, 2016.
Russian military leaders announced a reduction of its grouping in Syria.
The Russian carrier strike group is leaving the Mediterranean Sea.
The first six Sukhoi Su-24 bombers were redeployed, more aircraft are scheduled to pull out, according to the Defense Ministry.