The arrival of the jet fighters is the most concerning development for the U.S., which regularly flies surveillance flights and airstrikes against Islamic State forces in Syria.
Defense officials said they weren’t certain how Russia planned to use the jets, but noted that the Soviet planes are designed for air-to-air combat.
The article did not state what kind of fighter aircraft were sent.
I think the Russians want to go F-22 hunting over the skies of Syria.
UPDATE: This is interesting:
Israel and Russia agreed on Monday to coordinate military actions over Syria in order to avoid accidentally trading fire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a visit to Moscow.
It's interesting that Israel cut a deal with Russia directly. I guess Israel doesn't think they owe us anything. So Israel might as well cut deals with Russia.
It's also interesting in that it could be a deal that leaves Hezbollah out to dry. Israel wants the ability to strike Hezbollah and weapons going there. Russia wants to protect Assad. A potential point of agreement is that Israel can safely target Hezbollah inside Lebanon (and possibly jihadis in southern Syria across from the Golan Heights) while Russian troops shield Syrian territory to the north.
That leaves Iran out. Which might get Iran angry at Russia.
UPDATE: Back to us. Senator Kerry has no problem with Russia's aircraft types in Syria:
"For the moment it is the judgment of our military and experts that the level and type represents basically force protection," Kerry told reporters.
Oh, the planes are just meant to protect the other Russian forces who are there. Well okay, then.
If the Russians use poison gas against rebels, is that consistent with force protection, too?
If Kerry sucked any more at his job, his name would be Hoover.
