A Su-25SM3 attack aircraft
© Source: https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3179127.html
A Su-25SM3 attack aircraft is at the Khmeimim airbase, Syria, April 2018
A first clear photo of Russia's Su-25SM3 attack aircraft in Syria has appeared online. The photo was made at the Khmeimim airbase in April, 2018. The Su-25SM3 is a deeply modernized modernized version of the Su-25, which entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces (previously known as the Russian Air Force) in the early 1980s.

Su-25SM3 version differs significantly even from upgraded Su-25SM strike-fighters. The Su-25SM3 incorporates a host of sensor and defensive systems upgrades. The core of the modernization package is the Vitebsk-25 EW system, avionics, and weapon control systems.

The Vitebsk-25 includes an L-370-3S digital active jamming station. It can locate the likely enemy's azimuth and the radar emission type as well as suppress the signal in different frequency ranges. It also poses protective measures against various missiles. External elements of the L-370-3S digital active jamming station are marked by red squares.

The Russian Aerospace Forces actively use Su-25SM(x) attack aircraft in order to provide a close air support to government forces combating militants across the country.