Damascus — Syria’s efforts to rebuild its air force under the country’s new leadership appear to be gaining momentum, raising fresh concerns over the regional security balance and prompting close scrutiny from Israeli security officials, according to Israeli broadcaster Kan 11. The report says Syria has begun recruiting and training new pilots while gradually restoring aviation capabilities through flight training involving aircraft and helicopters, as well as exercises involving fighter jets. The renewed military aviation activity is being viewed as a potential sign that Syria is seeking to revive elements of its air power and air-defence capabilities after years of war and extensive destruction of military infrastructure. Israel had previously claimed that it had destroyed much of Syria’s air force and key military capabilities following the fall of the former Syrian government. The emergence of reports about new pilot training and renewed military aviation activity, however, has brought the question of Syria’s remaining and recoverable capabilities back into focus. Reports of fighter-jet exercises in northern Syria and efforts to reactivate military airfields have also raised a broader strategic question for Israel: how quickly could Damascus rebuild an operational air capability, potentially with assistance from regional powers such as Turkey? Analysts say possible Turkish involvement and the long-term development of Syria’s new military structure are among the issues likely to be closely watched by Israel. The developments come amid reports that Israel carried out strikes on the runway and facilities of Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria on August 18. Reuters reported that eight airstrikes hit the base and that there were no reported casualties, while the Israeli military did not publicly comment on the reported attack. The parallel emergence of Syrian efforts to rebuild its air force and possible Israeli attempts to prevent the restoration of Syrian military infrastructure could further complicate an already highly sensitive security environment across the Middle East. If Syria succeeds in gradually rebuilding trained pilot cadres, operational aviation units, airbases and supporting military infrastructure, the process could eventually alter aspects of the regional military balance under the country’s new leadership. That possibility is likely to keep Syria high on Israel’s strategic and security agenda as Damascus seeks to re-establish a more capable national military structure.
Signs of Syria Rebuilding Air Power Raise Growing Israeli Concerns
