‘Türkiye intends to convert T4 base into drone facility,’ Western intel source claims

Türkiye is reportedly preparing to activate Syria’s Tiyas (T4) Air Base to establish a long-term military presence, according to a Western intelligence source cited by Israeli media outlet The Jerusalem Post.

The move would expand Turkish involvement in Syria and establish a strategic hub for drone operations and air defense systems in central Syria.

Ankara’s objectives at T4 base

“The Turkish-Syrian connection has been tightening recently, including in the military field,” The Jerusalem Post reported, citing a Western intelligence source. “Türkiye wants to become Syria’s air defense provider, in part by establishing a presence at the T4 base, which was active during Assad’s regime.”

According to the same source, “Türkiye intends to convert the T4 base into a drone facility.”

On Tuesday, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported that a Hisar air defense system would be deployed at the T4 base to provide air coverage for the facility. A source familiar with the details, who spoke with the site, said, “Once the system is in place, the base will be renovated and expanded with the necessary facilities.”

The source added that the base will help Türkiye establish air dominance in the region and support its efforts to fight the Daesh terrorist group, which continues to linger in the country.

Israeli concerns and recent airstrikes

An Israeli security official has claimed that the establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria could pose a “potential threat” to Israel. The statement came amid rising tensions over Türkiye’s involvement in the region.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli official spoke to Israeli media about Ankara’s growing activities in Syria.

“If a Turkish air base is established, it would harm Israel’s freedom of action in Syria,” the official said. “This is a potential threat that we oppose.”

In response to these developments, Israeli airstrikes targeted the T-4 and nearby Palmyra bases on March 21–22, damaging infrastructure, including runways, hangars and control buildings.

“We targeted the military T4 base recently to send a message that we will not allow harm to our air freedom of operation,” said the security source.

The official also expressed concern about Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’s potential actions to halt Israel’s occupation of Syrian territories. He confirmed that Israel bombed the T4 airbase as a message to show it would not tolerate airstrikes in Syria.

Israel is also wary of Shara’s long-term objectives, which the official described as unchanged and hostile. “He is our enemy,” the official added.

The Israeli official also noted that Shara is seeking to lift international sanctions on Syria, an effort that is supported by Türkiye.

Israeli political and security officials have been holding meetings to address the “possibility of Türkiye establishing military bases in Syria,” the report stated.

Deployment and infrastructure plans

“Plans are reportedly underway to reconstruct and expand the base, with the deployment of Turkish-made Hisar-type air defense systems and advanced surveillance and strike-capable drones.”

“A Hisar-type air defence system will be deployed to T4 to provide air cover for the base,” the source said to MEE. “Once the system is in place, the base will be reconstructed and expanded with necessary facilities. Ankara also plans to deploy surveillance and armed drones, including those with extended strike capabilities,” the source added.

Sources indicate the temporary deployment of S-400 air defense systems to T4 or nearby Palmyra is being considered for added protection during the reconstruction phase. However, such deployment would require approval from Russia.

Turkish officials have not commented on the reports yet. It’s expected to this topic to be mentioned during the weekly Turkish Ministry of Defense press briefing.