Turkey’s Move to Establish Presence at Syria’s T4 Airbase Raises Regional Concerns
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkey has reportedly initiated steps to establish a military presence at the Tiyas (T4) Airbase in central Syria, with plans to deploy air defense systems and bolster its operational capacity in the region. The move comes amid ongoing negotiations between Ankara and Damascus, following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
According to a report by Middle East Eye published on Tuesday, Turkey has begun construction activities at the airbase, located near Palmyra, signaling its intention to station military assets, including reconnaissance and combat drones. The sources cited in the report indicate that Turkish authorities have been negotiating a security agreement with Syria’s transitional government since December 2024.
While Turkish officials have previously downplayed the likelihood of a permanent military presence in Syria, reports suggest that Ankara is now moving forward with plans to fortify T4. The reported deployment of Turkey’s HISAR air defense system at the base would mark a significant expansion of its operational reach in Syria.
A senior Turkish security source, quoted by Middle East Eye, stated, “The air defense system will provide protective coverage for the base, ensuring operational security.”
In addition to air defense measures, Turkey is reportedly planning to reconstruct the base’s infrastructure to accommodate its military aircraft and drone operations. The move is seen as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to cement its influence in Syria while securing key logistical and strategic positions.
The potential Turkish military foothold at T4 has raised alarms in Israel, which has long viewed the airbase as a strategic point of interest due to its historical use by Iranian-backed forces. Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes on T4 over the past years, targeting military installations linked to Iran’s presence in Syria.
An Israeli security source told local media on Monday, “Any Turkish airbase in Syria could undermine Israel’s operational freedom. This is a potential threat that we strongly oppose.”
Another Israeli defense official, quoted by the Jerusalem Post, reinforced this position, stating, “Our recent strikes on T4 were meant to send a clear message: We will not allow any threats to our aerial operations.”
Turkey’s deepening engagement in Syria comes at a time of shifting alliances and power reconfigurations in the region. Since the transition of power in Damascus, Ankara has sought to redefine its relationship with Syria’s new leadership, balancing its interests with ongoing security concerns.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which maintain a significant presence in northeast Syria, have expressed apprehension over Turkish maneuvers in the country. While the SDF continues to focus on counterterrorism efforts and regional stability, Turkey’s military expansions remain a source of tension.
Meanwhile, the evolving dynamics between Turkey, Syria, and Israel introduce additional complexity to an already volatile security landscape. If Turkey proceeds with its plans at T4, the airbase could become a flashpoint for regional confrontation, drawing in multiple actors with conflicting interests.
The reported Turkish move at T4 Airbase underscores Ankara’s increasing military footprint in Syria and highlights the broader strategic competition in the region. As negotiations between Turkey and Syria continue, and Israel watches developments closely, the situation at T4 could shape the next phase of military and political interactions in the Middle East.
Observers suggest that any Turkish presence at T4 will not only redefine Syria’s security landscape but could also lead to further escalations with Israel, given its firm stance against foreign military expansions in the region. The coming weeks may determine whether this development remains a political maneuver or escalates into a new phase of confrontation.