Turkiye has sought to deploy radar systems on Syrian territory in recent weeks, according to a report published by the Jerusalem Post on 25 December citing two Western intelligence sources. The report stated that such radars would be capable of detecting Israeli military aircraft operating over Syria, potentially affecting Israel’s ability to conduct air operations there. Israeli aircraft commonly transit Syrian airspace during strikes inside Syria and, at times, during missions directed toward Iran.

Prior to the collapse of former Syrian president Bashar al Assad’s government, Russia restricted the use of Syria’s S 300 air defense systems against Israeli aircraft. As a result, Syrian forces relied on other air defense platforms including the S 200, Buk M2, and Pantsir S1. After Assad was removed from power in December 2024 by Hayat Tahrir al Sham led by Ahmad al Sharaa(Jolani), Israeli air operations intensified. Israel carried out extensive airstrikes targeting Syrian military equipment, weapons depots, and infrastructure, and also expanded its control in areas of the Golan Heights and Quneitra, including Mount Hermon.

On 2 April, Israeli aircraft struck the T4 air base near Palmyra in eastern Homs province. Israeli officials said the strike was intended to prevent Turkiye from establishing an air base there, following reports that Ankara planned to use the facility as a drone hub and potentially deploy S 400 air defense systems. Israeli officials have also confirmed increased security coordination with Greece and Cyprus, including preliminary military planning related to Turkiye, while denying plans for a formal joint force. Despite the ongoing Genocide in Ga-za, Israel and Turkiye continue to maintain trade and security ties, and Turkish authorities have not halted commercial exchanges or oil shipments to Israel.