Russia Plans to Expand Military Bases in Syria: 'Razminfo'

On May 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the ministries of defense and foreign affairs to begin negotiations with Syria to expand the territories of the "Khmeimim" airbase and the material and technical support station located in Tartus. This was reported by "Razminfo."

The presidential directive is posted on the government’s website. The expansion of the territories also relates to the water areas of the Tartus port.

The "Khmeimim" airbase in Syria is established per the agreement dated August 26, 2015. Subsequently, on September 30, of the same year, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation authorized the aviation group’s participation in military operations in Syria. Initially, the airbase was equipped with 34 aircraft and 16 helicopters. This number has been changed multiple times since then.

The Russian Navy's material and technical support station is located in Tartus. It was established during the existence of the USSR in 1971, aimed at servicing the then-existing Russian Navy Mediterranean squadron.

Before the Syrian War, Tartus primarily serviced Russian civilian vessels for refueling and minor repairs. Following the outbreak of civil war in Syria, the material and technical support station in Tartus began receiving vessels sent from Russia, delivering everything from humanitarian aid to military equipment.