As of September 2015, Russia has stepped up its military presence in Syria, deploying 12 Su-25 ground attack aircraft, 12 Su-24 interdictor aircraft,[101][102] 6 Sukhoi Su-34 medium bombers[103][104] and 4 Su-30 multirole combat aircraft and 15 helicopters (including Mi-24 attack helicopters)[105] at the Bassel Al-Assad International Airport near Latakia.[106][107][108][109][110] The planes are protected by at least two or possibly three SA-22 surface-to-air, antiaircraft systems, and unarmed MQ-1 Predator-like surveillance drones are being used to fly reconnaissance missions.[107] In addition to air forces, ground forces include 6 T-90 tanks, 15 artillery pieces, 35 armored personnel carriers and 200 Marines (with housing facilities for 1,500 personnel)[111] BM-30 multiple missile launchers have been spotted near Latakia.[112]