The Israelis, who arguably have some of the most advanced aircraft protection systems, have not risked an aircraft over Syria since their bombing raid on Assad’s first nuclear reactor. The Russians have installed their most advanced anti-aircraft systems which they “guarantee” will take out low flying F-16’s. The Israelis are launching glide bombs from Lebanon. The bombs go at least 100 miles into Syria and hit with pinpoint accuracy. Will we be stupid enough to send our overworked and under supplied aircraft into Syrian airspace?
Despite the bravado often seen here at FR over US forces’ flying machismo and expertise, modern Russian SAM systems (acquisition, tracking & engagement) radars and their missile counterparts are deadly - deadly, and a US pilot would be a fool to think otherwise.
Syria isn’t going to be depending on a generation or two old systems like Iraq or in Iran; they’ll have something more up to date for both long-range and close-in support.
Hmmmm.....no infrared signature.