Russia Deploys S-400 Missile System In Syria

Russia has released footage of its new anti-aircraft missile system in Syria - as tensions rise between Moscow and Turkey.

The S-400 has been sent to Russia's Khmeimim airbase, near Latakia, in case of further attacks from Turkey, said Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov.

He said it has "already put on air defence combat duty".

The deployment comes after Turkish fighter jets shot a Russian warplane out of the sky.

President Vladimir Putin warned of "serious consequences" over the downed Sukhoi Su-24, which Turkey claims ignored 10 warnings to keep out of its airspace at the Syrian border.

:: Turkey Warns Russia Not To 'Play With Fire'

Video released by the Russian Defence Ministry shows the S-400 - which can hit aerial targets up to 250 miles away - arriving at its airbase on the western coast of the war-torn country.

It also shows Russian airstrikes on militants' camps and infrastructure in Syria.

Mr Putin told Russia Today there was previously no need for the deployment, because "no-one imagined the Russian aircraft could be in danger".

He added: "Russia would've brought S-400s to Syria a long time ago to protect its warplanes, if it entertained the possibility of a traitorous backstab."

He stressed the missiles will not target Russia's partners, "with whom we fight terrorists in Syria together".

Russia Today described the S-400 - made up of radars, missile launchers and command posts - as "the most advanced anti-aircraft defence system in Russia" and "unparalleled in the world".

Mr Putin has also sent a warship to the Mediterranean, armed with air defence missiles.