Assad’s Su-22 Fitters are a constant presence in the Syrian skies, having been deployed against Syrian insurgents since the second half of 2012.
The following pics apparently dating from January show Syrian Arab Air Force Su-22M Fitters some toting S-8 rockets used against ground targets in and around Aleppo, Homs etc.
There are several videos (most of those of poor quality) available on Youtube and Liveleak showing Syrian Su-22s, as well as other fighter bombers, using unguided munitions against rebel positions at low and medium altitude. The planes also demonstrate a remarkable use of flares for self-defense from MANPADS.
New images of Syrian Su-22 Fitters, taken in January 2017. The sinuous hump identifies this plane as a Su-22 M3. It has just landed in a clean configuration, deploying the braking parachute after a probable training sortie. Unfortunately the serial is not distinguishable.
Another Su-22M3 taxying in to park after leaving the runway, probably following an operational sortie judging by the rocket launchers under the wings. It appears to be displaying serial code "2002".
Above and below; interesting images of "3224", a Syrian Arab Air Force Su-22M4 recognizable by the air intake at the base of the fin, seen inside a shelter below. In spite of this it seems to have bird droppings down the side of the tailfin, which suggests that it has been exposed to the elements for a long time. Note the triple flare launchers on the fuselage, to counteract the possible launch of surface-to-air infrared missiles. The pilot seems to be making an inspection before the flight.
Aircraft of the Syrian conflict -September 2014
On board with a SyAAF Sukhoi Su-24M2
the Admiral Kuznetzov Russian aircraft carrier on its way to Syria
Edit ****Following this post the new US administration carried out cruise missile attacks on al-Shayrat airbase in retaliation for the chemical attack on Khan Cheikhoun in Syria in the night of 5-6 April 2017. According to French analyst Arnaud Delalande on his blog here al-sheyrat had been one of Assad's key air bases for the past two years of the Syrian conflict, home to some 12-15 'modern' Soviet jets operated by the Syrian AF. Any Soviet personnel on the base had been evacuated prior to the strikes. Soviet TV reports show plenty of shelters destroyed and the charred remains of burnt-out aircraft wreckage.
