For the first time during this war, the Russian Aerospace Forces have deployed their highly improved Su-25SM3 jet to the Hmaymim Airport in western Syria, Al-Masdar News reports.

According to locals in the Tartous Governorate, the Su-25SM3 recently landed at the Hmaymim Airport in southwest Latakia after making a long flight from a Russian airbase.

Nicknamed the “Supergrach” by Russian pilots, the jet is capable of launching airstrikes at night or day and in all weather conditions.

Previously, an Su-25 aircraft was shot down by the rebel forces in the Hama Governorate; this forced the Russian Aerospace Forces to deploy this newly modified aircraft to Syria.