What is ISIS:

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also referred to as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), is a Sunni Muslim terrorist group that derived from al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2006. ISIS’ presence has grown in the Middle East and Northern Africa over the last few years, and they have increasingly incited sympathizers to carry out attacks across the globe. ISIS controls a significant amount of land in Northern Iraq and Eastern Syria and has undoubtedly played a major role in destabilizing the already volatile Middle East.

ISIS’ Armament

The majority of ISIS’ armament is in the form of small arms, however the group does have access to some heavy armament such as tanks, armored infantry carriers, artillery howitzers, rockets, missiles, and multiple anti-aircraft platforms. There are significant doubts to whether or not many of the larger weapons are actually operational and if ISIS has the knowledge to operate and maintain these weapon systems.

ISIS’ Missiles & Air Defense Platforms

• SS-1 (Scud): A missile that was developed and deployed by the Soviets in the 1960s. The Scud has a range of 100 to 180 Miles
• SA-6 (Gainful): A Soviet produced Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system produced in the 1970s

Sources

Friedman, Norman. “Desert Victory- The War for Kuwait”, Naval Institute Press, 1991. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/weapons/scud.html

Parrish, Brent. “Fire Power ISIS anti-aircraft weaponry August 31, 2014. Date accessed 08/01/2016 http://www.therightplanet.com/2014/08/the-growing-isis-arsenal-pt-2/

Weapons of ISIS, Accessed 08/01/2016 http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/weapons-of-isis.asp