Turkey Prepares to Establish Air Defense Base in Central Syria, Stirring Regional Tensions
The British outlet Middle East Eye reported that Turkey is moving forward with plans to construct an air defense base at the T4 military airport near Palmyra in Homs, central Syria. According to unnamed sources cited by the publication, Ankara aims to use the base to combat ISIS remnants and deter Israeli airstrikes in Syrian territory. The report, published on Tuesday, April 1, noted that construction plans are already underway.
The base will reportedly deploy Turkey’s domestically developed Hisar air defense system, a family of short-, medium-, and long-range surface-to-air missiles developed jointly by defense firms Roketsan and Aselsan since 2007. The Hisar series—comprising the Hisar-A, Hisar-O, and Hisar-U (also known as SIPER)—forms a cornerstone of Turkey’s air defense network. Once operational, the T4 base will undergo expansion to include facilities for reconnaissance aircraft and armed drones with enhanced strike capabilities.
Ankara’s broader strategy involves establishing a multi-layered air defense system around the base to counter diverse threats, from fighter jets and drones to ballistic missiles. Analysts suggest the deployment could solidify Turkey’s aerial dominance in the region and disrupt ISIS cells still active in Syria’s eastern desert (al-Badia).
Joint Defense Talks with Syria
The developments coincide with recent diplomatic engagement between Turkey and Syria. During a February 4 meeting in Ankara between Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Shar, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the two sides reportedly discussed a potential joint defense agreement, Sources told *Reuters* the talks included proposals for new Turkish airbases in central Syria, expanded use of Syrian airspace for Turkish military operations, and Turkish training programs for Syrian forces. Regional intelligence officials and a Damascus-based security source claimed the agreement could lead to two Turkish bases in Syria’s desert region.
Israel Voices Concerns
Israel has expressed alarm over Turkey’s deepening military footprint in Syria. The Jerusalem Post quoted an unnamed Israeli security official warning that Turkish bases would threaten Israel’s operational freedom in Syria, calling them a “potential threat.” Israeli political and military leaders have reportedly held multiple discussions in recent weeks about countering Turkey’s growing influence.
While Ankara frames its actions as counterterrorism efforts, regional observers see a strategic push to curb Israeli airstrikes—which frequently target Iranian and Hezbollah assets in Syria—and bolster Turkey’s geopolitical leverage. The situation underscores escalating tensions as regional powers vie for control in postwar Syria.