Russia seems to be using Syria as a testing ground and way to advertise some of its most-advanced weaponry, experts say.

For the last couple of years, Moscow has almost gone out if its way to broadcast their engagements and equipment being used in Syria, while simultaneously denying any involvement in the Ukrainian war.

“Russia is using Syria as a way to showcase its weaponry for export sales,” Omar Lamrani, an analyst with Stratfor, told Business Insider, specifically mentioning their SU-34 fighter jet and cruise missiles.

Russian-state owned media reported Wednesday that the Kremlin has been testing its new ‘soldier of the future’ combat gear in Syria.

“The Ratnik combat is a system of advanced protective and communication equipment, weapons and ammunition,” TASS said. “It comprises around 40 protective and life support elements and allows a soldier to get continuously updated information about situation in the combat area. In addition, the Ratnik includes a self-contained heater, a backpack, an individual water filter, a gas mask and a medical kit.”

Russia is even developing a Ratnik-3, an advanced version “with an integral exoskeleton and a helmet visor-mounted target designation system.”

Read the whole story from Business Insider.

Featured image courtesy of AP