According to US intelligence, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to provide the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah with a Russian-made missile defense system. The delivery of the surface-to-air SA-22 missile system, also known as Pantsir-S1, is reportedly being carried out by the Russian mercenary organization Wagner Group. It is unclear whether the system has already been delivered or how close it is to delivery. The SA-22 system was originally provided by Russia for use by the Syrian government. The US has been monitoring recent movement of the system, indicating its concern about the potential implications of Hezbollah having an advanced air defense system.

Hezbollah fighters and Wagner Group have both been operating in Syria for years, working alongside Russian and Syrian armed forces to support the Assad regime. The possibility of Hezbollah acquiring this missile defense system comes as tensions escalate on Israel's northern border with Lebanon and concerns arise that Hezbollah might open a new front in Israel's war on Hamas. Israel has previously targeted similar missile systems inside of Syria. The degree of Russia's influence over the decision to provide the system to Hezbollah remains unclear.