"These systems will only complicate, further, an already difficult situation in the skies above Syria. They are certainly not meant to increase the grip on the Islamic state that does not have an air force. We expect Russia to respect the memorandum of understanding signed on flight safety and not to direct those missiles at coalition planes.
Since the downed Su-24 episode, the Coalition has accomplished another thirteen sorties. We still do not know about the entry into service of the S-400, but it is something that we take into consideration. To date, our missions have been held regularly. Of course those air-to-air missiles complicate things a bit. It is only the last piece of a strategy that could upset the war in Syria which has been going on for five years now.
The target of those missiles is not the Islamic State. We certainly did not expect such a decision because we have no reason to attack the Russians. Same thing for them. I repeat: we are not at war with Russia".
This is what the Pentagon spokesman, Jeff Davis, has said.
From the Russian Aerospace Forces, yesterday, have communicated that all Sukhoi Su-34 "Fullback" fighter-bombers deployed in Syria will be equipped with air-to-air self-defense missiles.
