Turkey has reportedly initiated efforts aimed at taking control of Syria’s Tiyas air base, also known as T4.

Ankara is readying for the deployment of air defence systems there, sources familiar with the matter were cited as saying by Middle East Eye (MEE) on April 1. Ankara wants to make use of the base in striking Islamic State and in deterring Israeli air force attacks in Syria, they also said, according to the publication. 

Turkey and the post-Assad administration in Damascus, seen by many analysts as under the heavy influence of Turkey’s Erdogan administration, have been in talks over forming a defence pact since December. That was the month when long-time strongman Bashar al-Assad fled Syria in the face of an armed offensive by jihadist groups endorsed by Turkey. Under a deal, Turkey, a Nato member, would provide air cover and military protection for Syria’s new government.

Turkey may look to fill the power vacuum left by the departure of forces loyal to Assad’s former allies, Russia and Iran. But Israel, which has taken over swathes of southern Syria since the fall of Assad, might see a strong Turkish military presence in Syria as a potential threat.

MEE quoted one of its sources as saying of Turkey’s plans for the base: “A Hisar-type air defence system will be deployed to T4 to provide air cover for the base.

“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.”

Ankara apparently eventually aims to form a layered air defence system in and around the base. It would boast short, medium and long-range air defence capabilities, ready to take down both jet and drones. 

Israel has been bombing military assets in Syria left behind by Assad’s forces, hoping to pre-empt any possible Syrian build-up of new armed forces that could one day prove a threat to its security.

Last week, the Israeli air force’s attacks included raids on both T4 and the Palmyra air base, targeting runways and strategic assets.

An Israeli security source told the media on March 31 that any Turkish air base in Syria would restrict Israel’s freedom of operation. “This is a potential threat that we oppose,” the source said.

“We targeted the T4 military base recently to send a message: we will not allow any threat to our operational freedom in the air,” the Israeli security source told the Jerusalem Post.