(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - April 1, 2009: In testimony to the U.S. Senate, outgoing head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Michael Maples stated that Syria is expected to receive advanced MiG-31Es from Russia.
Several other variants have been developed, including a dedicated anti-satellite missile carrier, the MiG-31D; a similar satellite-launching aircraft, MiG-31A; a proposed multi-role version, MiG-31F; and a downgraded export version, MiG-31E; but most have not been built in any quantity, if at all. Syrian Air Force has 8 MiG-31E on order.
Following a visit to Moscow by Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2006, reports from the Russian press announced a deal for the aircraft but were quickly denied by the Kremlin and state arms-trader Rosoboronexport.
The reported deal also included sales of MiG-29s and Yak-130 jet trainers to Damascus. The Syrian Air Force - built upon Soviet-legacy and Russian-build aircraft - is obsolete and based around badly aged MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-29 squadrons.
Despite Russia's previous denial of the deal, Maples stated that the MiG-31Es will be delivered to Damascus soon, along with MiG-29M/M2 fighters. Maples also testified that Syria remains focused on upgrading its missile, rocket, anti-tank, aircraft, and air-defense inventories.
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