S-125 Air Defense System. Photo: Wikimedia
Videos shared on social media show a group of alleged Syrian rebels posing in front of an S-125 “Neva/Pechora” Air Defense System battery, captured during the ongoing rebel offensive in the country.
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The images, which quickly went viral, depict the rebels alongside the missile system, suggesting a significant advance in the ongoing conflict.
The S-125 is a Soviet-designed air defense weapon developed to intercept short- to medium-range targets, including aircraft and drones. Capturing a functional battery could represent a major strategic gain for the rebels, who seek to enhance their defensive and offensive capabilities against government forces.
Although the exact location and circumstances of the capture have not yet been officially confirmed, the dissemination of the videos on social media has caught the attention of military analysts. They warn of the risks posed by non-state groups operating advanced air defense systems like the S-125.
S-125 Air Defense Missile System
S-125 “Neva/Pechora” is a short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Designed to complement long-range systems such as the S-75 Dvina (SA-2 Guideline), the S-125 provides improved performance against low-flying and maneuverable targets.
Technical Specifications
- NATO Designation: SA-3 “Goa”
- Effective Range: Up to 15 km, modernized versions: up to 35 km
- Interception Altitude: From 20 m to 18 km, depending on the version.
- Missile Type: Solid-fuel guided missile with two stages.
- Warhead: Fragmentation with proximity fuze.
- Guidance: Semi-active radar.
Photos and videos: X @SavunmaSanayiST. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
