:

Syria is seeking major improvement in its military. Some current plans and programs include:

@ getting technology from China, North Korea, and/or India to build a solid-fuel Scud-D with a range of 800km. (The current Scud-C has a range of 500km; the older Scud-B only 300km.)

@ Buying 30 new Su-27 strategic fighters from Russia.

@ Spending $400 million to upgrade existing fighter aircraft.

@ Buying Russian S300 anti-aircraft missiles. 

Syria needs a nation-wide military upgrade; more than 80% of its military gear is out of date.--Stephen V Cole