Turkey to Deploy Air Defense Systems, Drones at Syria’s T4 Base
Turkey has started taking control of Syria’s Tiyas air base, known as T4, and plans to install air defense systems there, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye and other regional outlets.
The T4 base is located between Homs and Palmyra and was used by the Syrian military under former President Bashar al-Assad. Since Assad’s removal, the base has been targeted multiple times by Israeli airstrikes. According to an Israeli defense official, the strikes were meant to send a message to Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa that Israel will not tolerate any restrictions on its operational freedom in Syrian airspace.
Sources familiar with the plans told Middle East Eye that Turkey will deploy a Hisar air defense system to T4. “Once the system is in place, the base will be reconstructed and expanded with necessary facilities,” the source said.
Additionally, sources have revealed that Turkey is considering the deployment of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems at the base during its construction, though this would require approval from Moscow. Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 previously led to U.S. sanctions and its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019.
In addition to air defenses, Turkey also plans to station surveillance and armed drones at the site, including models with extended strike capabilities.
In a report by The Jerusalem Post, citing Western intelligence, it was revealed that Turkey aims to position itself as Syria’s defense provider by securing a presence at the T4 base. The report also confirmed Turkey’s plans to deploy drones at the site.
A senior Israeli official told The War Zone that Israel views the Turkish presence at T4 as a threat to its ability to carry out airstrikes in Syria.
“The establishment of a Turkish Air Force base in Palmyra, Syria could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of conflict with Israel,” the source said. “Given Israel’s ongoing efforts to prevent hostile military entrenchment in Syria, any significant Turkish military presence, especially in strategic locations like Palmyra, could be perceived as a threat to Israeli security interests.”
Defense journalist Babak Taghvaee, citing Israeli military sources, reported that recent Israeli airstrikes on the T4 air base have delayed the Turkish Air Force’s operations there. His sources also said that Israel will continue targeting the base if Turkey attempts to resume operations.
The Turkish Defense Ministry has not commented on the developments at T4.
