Vadimir Putin might have celebrated his 63rd birthday on Wednesday, banging in seven ice hockey goals for good measure, but that doesn’t mean he is mellowing with age.

Footage has been released of Russian warships firing 26 ‘high-tech cruise missiles’ at targets in Syria, just the small matter of 1 600 kilometres away. The footage is more than just a sign of strength against ISIS, summed up here by the Daily Beast:

The missiles in question, which the Pentagon calls SS-N-30s, were mostly unknown to the outside world before the Oct. 7 raid. Even close watchers of the Russian military were surprised to see them. The missile attack was also highly visible. In many ways, it was an announcement to the world, and America in particular, that the once-dilapidated Russian navy is back in action—and that Putin’s missileers are now among the planet’s most advanced.

So did the video succeed in its aim of making the world sit up and take notice of Russia’s military prowess? You better believe it:

…the October barrage proves that even the small warships that Russia is building can strike hard and far—something that, once upon a time, only the United States and its closest allies could do. Moscow’s missile raid helps re-establish Russia as a global military power. “They’re very serious about this,” [said Eric Wertheim, an independent U.S. naval analyst].

Looks like Putin is puffing his chest out with this display of might, which should be enough to cause some serious worry at the Pentagon.

You can check out THIS list of the world’s strongest militaries to learn more about Russia’s capabilities.

[source:dailybeast]