ALBAWABA - Israeli media outlets are buzzing with the news: Turkey has allegedly installed a sophisticated radar system at Damascus International Airport. This, according to the Israel Broadcasting Authority, citing security sources, could seriously limit the Israeli Air Force's ability to operate freely in Syrian airspace.
The radar, reportedly a Turkish-made system designed for surveillance and air traffic control, is said to have a wide tracking range, potentially encompassing significant portions of southern and central Syria. Israeli sources are concerned that this expanded coverage could put Israeli military flights at greater risk, making reconnaissance missions and airstrikes over Syrian territory more challenging.
Israeli sources reported that the radar's placement was coordinated with Syrian authorities, a move that underscores Ankara's expanding military and security presence in Syria, now that the war is over. Turkish officials have framed the radar as a measure to enhance civil aviation safety at Damascus Airport. However, Israeli analysts contend that its military capabilities extend well beyond what would be required for civilian purposes.
Israeli security officials, as reported by various outlets, pointed out that the radar could enable the early detection of aircraft entering Syrian airspace. This would diminish Israel's historical operational edge, potentially compelling the Israeli Air Force to adjust its flight paths, tactics, or timing. Some assessments even suggested the system might share data with Syrian air defenses or other players in the region.
This situation has sparked concern within Israeli defense circles, especially given the current tensions between Israel and Turkey, fueled by regional conflicts such as those in Gaza and Syria.
Israel has made it clear that it will do whatever it takes to stop adversaries from bolstering their military presence in Syria, particularly if it endangers Israeli safety.
Turkish reports, on the other hand, portrayed the action as part of Turkey's efforts to help rebuild Syrian infrastructure and get air travel back to normal after the long-running conflict. Syrian officials haven't publicly addressed Israel's worries.
Experts suggest the radar installation signals a changing dynamic in Syrian airspace, with various regional and global powers vying for control. While the immediate impact on Israeli operations is uncertain, Israeli media characterized the move as a strategic shift that could alter air activity over Syria in the near future.
