The Tu-214R
With Turkey's ongoing shelling of Kurdish and Syrian forces, as well as several reports of Turkey sending mercenaries across the border in an attempt to stop SAA and Kurdish advances, it seems that Russia isn't taking any chances: Anticipating Ankara's next move is paramount.
According to the Aviationist, Russia has deployed its most advanced spyplane, the Tu-214R, to its airbase in Latakia:
The aircraft is known to carry sensor packages to perform ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) and SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) missions: the antennae of the Tu-214R can intercept the signals emitted by the enemy systems (radars, aircraft, radios, combat vehicles, mobile phones etc) so as it can build the EOB (Electronic Order of Battle) of the enemy forces: where the enemy forces are operating, what kind of equipment they are using and, by eavesdropping into their radio/phone communications, what they are doing and what will be their next move.Excellent timing, especially since Turkey is beating the war drums:
#BREAKING Turkish official tells Reuters "impossible to stop Syrian war without ground op, U.S & western allies should take part
— CNN Türk ENG (@CNNTURK_ENG) February 16, 2016
The Russians are definitely not taking any chances. Saudi Arabia just began "North Thunder", a massive military exercise involving 20 nations.
If Turkish-Saudi threats turn into direct action in Syria, Russia will see it coming.
Comment: Considering that Erdogan stabbed Russia in the back when Turkey shot down and murdered a Russian pilot last November, Putin is wise to anticipate attacks from them. Erdogan appears to be so thoroughly delusional that he believes that he can continue poking the bear without consequences. Does he really think that Turkey can go head to head in a war with Russia?