Türkiye moves to establish air base in Syria’s T4 despite recent Israeli strikes
Turkish troops drive their tanks on September 4, 2016 on a road near the Syrian village of al-Waqf and some 3km south of al-Rai, also known as Cobanbey the small border town with Türkiye. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye has initiated steps to deploy Turkish Armed Forces to Syria’s Tiyas air base, also known as T4, and is preparing to deploy air defense systems to the site, according to sources familiar with the matter, according to the Middle East Eye (MEE).
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,” source added.
Strategic military objectives and regional implications
The T4 base is expected to provide Türkiye with enhanced aerial control over central Syria and serve as a launch point for intensified operations against terrorist organization Daesh elements, who are still active in the region.
Ankara also aims to construct a layered air defense system around the base with short-, medium-, and long-range capabilities.
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.
Israeli security officials uncomfortable
Israeli security officials have voiced concern over the growing cooperation between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government and Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
According to Israeli sources speaking to the Israeli media outlet Jerusalem Post, discussions have intensified over Türkiye’s possible establishment of a military base in Syria, a development Israel is interpreting as a potential threat.
“If a Turkish air base is established in Syria, it would undermine Israel’s freedom of operation,” an Israeli security source stated. Israeli officials have held internal discussions in recent weeks about the implications of deeper Turkish involvement in Syria.
Israel targets T-4 base, signals opposition
The concerns come amid reports that Türkiye has identified the T-4 Air Base (also known as Tiyas Air Base) in Syria’s Homs province as a rumored preferred location for a potential deployment.
The base, strategically positioned in central Syria, could offer Türkiye operational flexibility across the region as well as ability to project stability to an area long torn apart by conflict and wars.
In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted the T-4 and nearby Palmyra bases on March 21–22, reportedly damaging infrastructure, including runways, hangars, and control buildings.
A security source said the strikes were intended as a clear message that Israel would not tolerate restrictions on its air operations. “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.
Ankara’s broader regional engagement
Reports indicate that Türkiye and the Syrian government have discussed a prospective defense pact, with Turkish military officials conducting visits to several regions, including Damascus.
The proposed bases are allegedly intended to support aircraft, drones and integrated air defense systems and could shift the balance of power in the region to Israel’s detriment.
There were also reports that Tel Aviv views Türkiye’s current “Terror-free Türkiye” initiative as a threat to itself, as Ankara seeks to move forward and end the terrorism problem it has been dealing with for over 40 years.
Sources suggest that Türkiye’s strategic aim is to modernize the T-4 base and use it for enhanced military operations across Syria and the broader Middle East. If Ankara’s plans at T-4 are blocked, other options may remain viable. Air bases near Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and even areas close to Damascus are reportedly being considered.
Turkish MoD denies allegations of military base plans in Syria
After the weekly press briefing on Feb. 6, 2025 by the Ministry of National Defense (MoD), the ministry answered several important questions. Following recent speculation, the ministry responded to claims about establishing new Turkish military bases in Syria, stating that there are no plans for such a move.
The MoD strongly denied rumors circulating about Türkiye’s intention to build two new military bases in Syria. “It is premature to discuss such plans. Ankara’s focus remains on supporting Syria’s sovereignty and working toward regional stability,” the Ministry explained.
In a recent weekly press briefing on March 27, 2025, the Turkish MoD answered questions regarding the situation in Syria and said, “In line with the demands of the new Syrian government and in agreement with the relevant states, a consensus has been reached on the establishment of a joint operations center. Work is ongoing within the scope of this development. Türkiye attaches great importance to the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity, the new Syrian government’s establishment of state authority in all of Syria, and the establishment of stability and security in Syria.”
“In this context, in line with the demands of the new Syrian government, Türkiye continues to evaluate the establishment of bases for training purposes in order to increase the capacity of the Syrian army. All our activities in Syria are coordinated in advance with the relevant parties and all necessary security measures are taken,” the Turkish MoD added.
According to Turkish columnist Ozay Sendir, the report that Türkiye is planning to establish an air base in Syria and deploy around 50 fighter jets there is completely false and nothing more than disinformation efforts being conducted by some media outlets.
