Khmeimim airbase

Khmeimim airbase, also Hmeimim airbase is a Russian airbase near Latakia, Syria. The military base is adjacent to the civilian Bassel Al-Assad International Airport and only accessible to Russian personnel.

History
During 2015, it was converted from a neglected airfield into the strategic center of Russia's military operation against ISIL and non-ISIL rebels. The installation of the air base had been disclosed by American intelligence officials by early September 2015. The same month, U.S. officials expressed concern about the set-up of a new air base.

During September 2015 the air base came under rocket attacks by local Syrian rebels apparently using Grad missiles

The Su-24 shot down by Turkish fighters on November 24, 2015 was reported to be on its way to return to Khmeimim.

Operation
The new infrastructure was erected "from scratch". Air-conditioned accommodations were built within a few months in 2015 for about 1,000 people. Other new structures include an air control tower, extra-long runway construction, storage facilities, field kitchens, and refueling stations. Supplies are flown in from Russia or shipped via Tartus harbor 50 km away.

The base, operative since September 30, 2015, can handle Antonov An-124 and Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. It has parking locations for more than 50 military aircraft including Su-24s, Su-25s, and Su-34s. In addition, the base is home to T-90 tanks, BTR-82 vehicles, artillery and Mi-24 gunship helicopters and Mi-8 support choppers.

After the November 24 shootdown of a Su-24 a S-400 defensive missile system will be installed.

Name
The name of the air base Хмеймим has been transliterated also in other ways, namely Hemeimeem, Hmeymin, all based on the local Arabic name.