SyAAF MiG-21bis Shot Down (2017-03-04)

Yesterday, a SyAAF MiG-21bis from No. 679 squadron operating from Hama AB and piloted by Col. Mohammad Sawfan "العقيد محمد صوفان" was shot down by rebels and subsequently crashed in Turkish territory nearby the borders; the pilot in question has successfully ejected but been arrested and taken to a hospital in Antakya.

The Fishbed pilot whom was suspended from flight some years back, was returned to service recently; it's believed this was his first sortie after suspension.

A recording for the last conversation between the pilot and the GC I received, clearly shows the pilot was dis-oriented due to a technical failure malfunctioned the compass first then the whole navigation system. After that the pilot couldn't recognize his way back to base -as requested by the GC- which put him under range of AAA of Ahrar Al-Sham rebels.

SyAAF MiG-21 Crashed (2016-06-19)

Today around 1:00pm, a SyAAF MiG-21 -allegedly bis variant, serial is still unknown- operating from Hama AB and piloted by Major Ayham Khadra "الرائد أيهم خضرة" has crashed in the airfield area due to a technical failure resulting in the death of the pilot.

Geolocating the crash site confirms the MiG fell down due to engine failure shortly after take off as it's usual to carry it out west-to-east.

SyAAF MiG-21 Shot Down (2016-03-12)

Yesterday, 12th March 2016, a SyAAF MiG-21 -some reports designate the variant UM or US despite it's known Hama AB used to fly the bis in such sorites- piloted by Col. Musa Treikman operating from Hama AB was shot down by a MANPAD of FSyA over Hama northern countryside.

The MiG in question was bombarding the county of Kafrenboudeh town when the heat-seeking missile hits its rear fuselage as seen in the footage above, the ejection seat was clearly seen para-landing leaving the reasons behind the death of the pilot still unknown.

Supposed trail of MANPAD missile

It is good to remind that this is the first SyAAF unit loss since the last one occurred in Nov. 2015.

SyAAF MiGs in Hama AB

I will start this post with a special thank to 'PFC Joker' whom shared this photo which I consider one of the ever greatest stills taken in Hama AB as it discloses a lot of facts here!

At the top, a SyAAF Mi-17 with serial 2972.

Inside the HAS which is located at the furthest north eastern part of the air field, a SyAAF MiG-23ML (MLD) -of the second batch with its Gray radome- housed fitted with what looks to be unguided rockets pods.

To the right hand, a SyAAF MiG-23ML (first batch) with serial 2752 looks stored in this airbase. It's known that this variant did not exist in Hama AB ever in the past, just the MF and the trainer UB. The aircraft carries 'The Factory' emblem just beside the serial under its cockpit and of course, the famous two-toned camo applied to everything has wings in 'The Factory' in the military section at Neyrab AB.

The most important part of this photo is the graveyard; it shows again one of the Ghaddafi's ex-LARAF MiG-23MS (notice the green paint overwrite the LARAF serial under flash at fin tail). It is known that this airbase NEVER used to operate this variant which was only available in Seen and She'irat ABs (before being decommissioned in Abu DhHur AB) at the time the MF and UB variants were deployed in Hama AB.
Also it disclose what I can say the first photo of a MiG-21 -it is UM here- appears almost completely with its Three-Tone camo (Ocre, Olive Green and Chocolate Brown)!! Remember the fin tail of the 2204 MiG-21bis shot down near Sabboura in 2014 HERE

SyAAF MiG-23s in Hama AB

I'm sorry for being away for a while, I just love to share with you one of the most fabulous photos I put my hands on, a shot from Hama AB for a SyAAF MiG-23ML (serialed 2771) and the more modern MiG-23MLD (serialed 4000).
Sadly the ML is fitted with dumb bombs performing ground attack sorties...like the Libyan ones.

SyAAF MiGs in Hama AB

Finally, SyAAF made it and released a considerably wide report for some of its air power in Hama AB. 
In my opinion, this was a reaction for the increasing calls -I noticed from pro-regime Facebook pages- for the SyAAF to publish in media its power similarly to the Russians they did in Lattakia airport.

The aged 2306 MiG-21bis was there piloted by Col. Wisam Juneid and fitted with four FABs. 

At tarmac of the MiG maintenance yard, two MiG-21UM's are stored; one of them carries the serial 2366.

MiG-23MF with serial 2657 fitted with rusty FAB's for ground attack missions.

I think this 2771 MiG-23ML is deployed from Dmeyr AB temporarily to Hama AB, that's because of the shortage of Jets in this base which suffered a big loss since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, not to talk about the increasing number of decommissioned airframes thrown here and there all around the base.

The same applies for the 4000 MiG-23MLD which was based with its 4005 sister in Shei'rat AB as seen previously, especially that Hama AB doesn't need interceptors now. 

The 4005 MiG-23MLD is seen in a HAS while the 4000 was stationed at tarmac.

SyAAF MiG-23 Shot Down (2015-11-04)

On 4th Nov. 2015 pro-regime sources reported the loss of a SyAAF MiG-23 -variant and serials are yet unknown- and piloted by lieutenant colonel Muhammad Musa'ed Kheleh near Sqelbiyeh town in Sahl Al-Ghab (Hama governorate) after being hit with insurgents AA fire.

The lost Flogger is supposedly homed in Hama AB.

SyAAF MiG-21bis Crashed (2015-08-03)

Today 3rd Aug. 2015, a SyAAF MiG-21bis operating from Hama AFB has crashed over the central Souq (market) of Ariha town (Idleb Governorate) due to a miscalculated dive performed by the pilot as reported by eye witnesses.
Other sources refer the reason behind the fall of this aircraft to a malfunction in the engine which is overheated because of the severe temperature the area is suffering of these days.

As stated above, the MiG crashed over the central Souq causing the death of 27 people -so far- with around 55 wounded.
The fate of the pilot is unknown.

Mysterious 'السورية' Il-76 in Syria!

By Babak Taghvaee
Photos by Luftwaffe A.S

The 15-2282 IRGCASF's Il-76TD in an unidentified Syrian Air Force Base

In 2012, after the ratification of the sanction against the Yas Air Cargo by the UN, the IRGC decided to find a way to cover its airline role in cargo flights toward Syria.

The Cargo airline resumed its activity again under new name of Pouya Air, and this time, the IRGC decided to never risk again and endanger its business by means of operating the cargo airline civil airplanes for cargo flights to Syria.

The 15-2282 IRGCASF's Il-76TD in an unidentified Syrian Air Force Base

Therefore and instead, one of three Il-76TDs of the IRGCASF was offered to Syrian Air for leasing via the Pouya Air. The airplane in question was the 15-2282 (0063471155), which had been recently overhauled at Moscow Zhukovsky between April 2010 and January 2011.

The airplane was wet-leased by Syrian Air, and subsequently a minor change in its livery was applied. The red cheat-line and trim was over-painted by white color, the Syrian Air insignia was applied on its vertical fin and front fuselage and the Syrian flag was replaced with Iranian flag on that. But the serial number of the airplane remained unchanged.
 

A good example photo stipulating the livery of this Candid while under Syrian Air operation

The airplane was heavily used beside the Syrian Air Il-76s for the domestic flights between Damascus IAP and Hama AFB as well as the international flights toward Iran.

15-2282 was in Syrian Air use until October 2013, when it together with a convoy of four Syrian Air airplanes, consisting of two Il-76TDs (YK-ATA and YK-ATD), one Tu-134B (YK-AYE) and a Falcon 20E (YK-ASB) were flown toward Iran and stayed in Badr Air Base of IRGCASF at Mehrabad International Airport for two weeks in October 2013. It seemed, that they were safe haven in Tehran from a mortar attack to Damascus airport at that time.

After October, the period of the contract for 15-2282 was reached and it was returned to the IRGCASF service again. The Syrian flag and Syrian Air insignia were covered and the Iranian flag was painted again on the airplane’s fuselage.

The airplane was repeatedly used for the IRGCASF’s domestic daily flights for carrying IRGC personnel and their families between the Tehran and other Iranian cities.

In rare cases it was reported that the airplane together with the EP-PUL (IRGCASF’s Il-76TD with 15-2284 serial number) have been used for carrying IRGC troops and Afghani soldiers of Fatemiyun Corps to Baghdad, from where they were being sent to Syria in 2014.

The 15-2282 IRGCASF's Il-76TD in an unidentified Syrian Air Force Base

SyAAF MiG-21bis Shot Down (2014-11-10)

Today 10th Nov. 2014, a Syrian MiG-21bis serialed 2204 and code-numbered 660 operating from Hama AFB and piloted by Col. Tha'er Aref Saqqour 'العقيد ثائر عارف صقور' is downed 45km to the east of the airbase near Sabboura town, the remnant of the GSh-23 twin-barreled cannon and the engine can be seen in this VIDEO and this VIDEO, while it is still unknown whether the bis was hit by a MANPAD or by an AA gun.
Later one, tonight, a graphic photo emerged for the corpse of the pilot whom was KIA.

What surprised me after studying these photos is the appearance of a Syrian MiG-21bis dressing a Three-Color Camo! The new color is the Grayish Brown where the serial lays over.
The camos we used to see applied on Syrian MiG-21s through available photos were in Two-Colors camo, Beige & Green or Yellow Sand & Green-Blue.
How would be a great reference to modellers and profile drawers if the fuselage of this aircraft was photographed!

SyAAF MiG-21bis Shot Down (2014-06-30)

I will not say that I did not take it seriously -just awaited a solid evidence- when I first read it reported on an observer group FB page that a Syrian Air Force aircraft code numbered 655 operates from Hama AFB was shot down on 30th June 2014 !!

Just a month ago, it was confirmed at a pro-Syrian regime FB page the kill of a SyAAF pilot Brig.General Bassam Ali Muhammad during his attack sortie against ground targets in the county of Hama governorate while he was flying his MiG-21, but both sides did not confirm whether it was brought down by an AA gun or a MANPAD. The aircraft crashed 10km to the east of Hama AFB as reported by insurgents/rebels observers. 

SyAAF MiG-23MF Shot Down (2014-08-18)

Major Aref Bsesini with a MiG-23MF serialed 2676

True! on 18th August 2014 a Syrian MiG-23 was either crashed (according to regime reports) or shot down (as per reports of rebels). The aircraft which was code-numbered 617 and based in Hama AFB, was actually an MF variant and piloted by Major Aref Amin Bsesini (born in 1984)  "عارف أمين بسيسيني" who was KIA due to a failure in ejection. The MiG-23MF crashed as reported not far at the north of Hama airbase.
Typically, and as seen in most of videos for this variant while carrying out raids in the area of Idleb and Hama, it was either releasing FAB bombs, or launching unguided rockets on ground targets.



Major Aref in the cockpit of his MiG-23MF - Hama AFB

Major Aref in the cockpit of his MiG-23MF - Hama AFB

Major Aref with his MiG-23MF fitted with UB-32 unguided rocket pods - Hama AFB

On board SyAAF MiG-23 - Another Video

Another video came to public been recorded in the cockpit of a SyAAF MiG-23MF from taxiing, taking off -from Hama AFB as can be clearly seen on 0:44- till landing, including attacking ground targets with unguided rockets.

Another MiG-23 appeared on 0:33, this time it is the UB trainer variant -has nothing at all with the scenes on board- which was carrying not a single external armament and not fitted with chaff/flares dispensers over the rear fuselage.

It's notable that Hama AFB is currently the home base for both MF & UB variants after evacuating what remained operational from Abu DhHour AFB.

...Enjoy ;)

Air Raids From Hama & Sh'eirat AFB's (2nd Quarter 2014)

Continuing the survey I started in 2014 for the jet air raids from Hama & Sh'eirat AFBs, I post here the chart of the second quarter of this year which we can read through a considerable stability unlike the first quarter.

13th April recorded 39 sorties in one day, while 26 was the maximum number of air raids conducted in a single day from Sh'eirat on 10th Apr. and 17 in a day from Hama on 17th Jun. which drives us again to conclude that at least there were 13 operational (Su-22M-3/4 / MiG-23BN) and 8 operational (MiG-21bis / MiG-23MF) in Sh'eirat and Hama AFB's respectively (this if we estimated that each aircraft scrambled twice a day).

As from Jan. 2014, these two airbases launched 3328 air raids over the middle and northern governorates in Syria, almost 60% were in the 2nd quarter which means that the SyAAF is still operational and its units are receiving the required regular maintenance and could be even overhauled with help of allies.

IL-76's Spotted in Syria

Let's start with an Iranian Il-76 spotted about to land in Hama AFB on 27th Feb. 2014. The serial is not readable. 

Again, an Iranian Il-76 landing in Hama AFB on 10th Mar. 2014.

Another one spotted landing in Hama AFB as well, date is unknown. This assures the importance of Hama AFB which is considered the hotspot of supplies Assad regime is receiving in the mid area of Syria then distributing them into the other bases.

A stunning shot for two Il-76's the moment the passed beside each others somewhere in the sky of Idleb and specifically over Bennesh town on 20th Dec. 2013.
They should be Russian Candid's those are sent to Syria to assist in transferring the chemical weapons.

Syrian Air Il-76 landing in Hama AFB on 28th May 2013.

Another Syrian Air Il-76 spotted in Neyrab AFB (Aleppo IAP) which was seen in many events standstills in its place for weeks before it disappeared from there in early 2014.

Closer take for the same Candid.

Also another Syrian Air Il-76 could be photographed either in Damascus IAP or in Dhmair AFB, as it was reported a month ago that such transporter is landing in Dhmair intensively the last period and up to three times a day!

SyAAF Helicopter Sorties From Misc AFB's (1st Quarter 2014)

Another survey I prepared for the air raids/transport sorties SyAAF is carrying out with its fleet of Helicopters in a trial to estimate the 'remaining' operational units at least in the northern/western areas of clashes, specifically those are starting from Hama (Hama governorate), Sh'eirat (Homs governorate), Abu Ddhour (Idleb governorate) and Hmemim (Lattakia governorate).

As stipulated above, we can notice that contrary to expectations, Abu Ddhour AFB is 'very' alive and as active as Hama AFB in terms of number of daily sorties.
Hmemim airfield was kinda conservative in number of daily sorties from the beginning of January until the first half of March, while the second half of March till today (as we will see in the updated survey) it becomes one of the main bases for Helicopters to start from.

21st Feb. recorded the maximum number of Helicopters taking off from the four airbases in a single day with a total number of 42 sorties. Of course, we cannot consider all these were attack sorties as helicopters are currently being used for the following:
- Bombing (dropping death barrels)
- Supplies (para-dropping food for besieged SyA units)
- Transportation (units and VIP's)
So, if we consider that each helicopter took off twice a day we may reach a conclusion that there are at least 21 operational/air-worthy Mi-8/17/14/25 in these four airbases.

Talking about the distribution of each type in these four AFB's -relying on available visual records in each base- it is as below:
- Mi-8/17: Hama, Sh'eirat, Abu Ddhour, Hmemim
- Mi-14: Hmemim
- Mi-25: Hama, Sh'eirat, Hmemim

Air Raids From Hama & Sh'eirat AFB's (1st Quarter 2014)

In a trial to understand the current inventory of aircraft the SyAAF is currently operating, I worked to survey and available records of attack sorties the SyAAF 'Jet' units are performing. Fortunately, I found trustful entries -from a group specialized in observation of air sorties- for Hama AFB (Hama governorate) & Sh'eirat (Homs governorate) AFB, and accordingly prepared a log of the number of air raids started from both.

The charts above stipulate the daily air raids from both air bases in the first quarter of this year. We can notice that January witnessed the least sorties due to the bad weather in some days, while in February the more sorties been performed stably from both airports. In March the rate was unstable in terms of continuity of the same number of aircraft started from both airbases especially from Sh'eirat.

22 is the maximum number of air raids conducted in a single day from Sh'eirat on 20th Feb. and 14 in a day from Hama on 15th Mar. which drives us to a conclusion that at least there were 11 operational (Su-22M-3/4 / MiG-23BN) and 7 operational (MiG-21bis / MiG-23MF) in Sh'eirat and Hama AFB's respectively (this if we estimated that each aircraft scrambled twice a day).

At last, I would remind that this survey is limited to Jet Fighters/Bombers and there are twice the number of raids carried out by helicopter starting from these both air bases.