The Russian Air Force has deployed high-precision S-300 air defence missiles in Abkhazia to prevent attacks from Georgian rebels.

Russian Air Force commander General Alexander Zelin said different air defence systems had been deployed in South Ossetia, Georgia’s other Russian-backed rebel region, according to Reuters.

Code-named Favorite, the S-300 is a mobile, long-range air defence system, which can detect, track and destroy cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and high and low-flying aircraft.

The S-300 will protect the territories and air bases of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and will destroy any vehicle illegally penetrating the air space.