A memorandum of understanding between the US and Russia on safety protocols in the air over Syria is expected to be signed and finalized soon, though the Pentagon has no specific timeline for action. Defense Department spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said Oct. 16 the agreement will come in the near future. The two countries met for the third time via teleconference on Oct. 14, where “progress was made” and the discussions “were professional,” according to a Defense Department statement. US and Russian aircraft have come within visual range multiple times over Syria, the most recent incident occurring Oct. 10 when a Russian Su-30 approached a US aircraft “to identify it,” Russian state media reported.
As the U.S. continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution with Russia over its troop buildup on the Ukraine border, the Defense Department is looking into what capabilities it will need to reassure NATO allies if Russia does launch an invasion, its top spokesperson said Jan. 21.