Syrian power shift: Turkey eyes new military foothold
According to Reuters, the new Syrian authorities, led by interim President Ahmed al-Shara, are negotiating a defense pact with Turkey. Turkish media, which confirm these reports, indicate that the agreement might include the establishment of two military bases in Syria and the deployment of dozens of F-16 fighters, among other assets.
The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime captured the attention of the whole world, impacting Russia, which lost significant equipment and, most importantly, key bases in Syria, diminishing its influence in the region. Turkey, having long supported the opposition to Bashar al-Assad, is now among the countries poised to benefit significantly from the change in power in Syria.
New Syrian authorities negotiate with Turkey
According to Reuters sources, Ankara is determined to fill the void left by Russia (and to a lesser extent Iran) and strengthen its position relative to the Gulf countries and Israel. The defense pact being negotiated with the new Syrian authorities reportedly includes several points, such as Turkey establishing new air bases in Syria, utilizing Syrian airspace for military purposes, and taking a leading role in training soldiers for the new Syrian army.
Turkish media add that F-16 fighters could be sent to Syria. Although Ankara is facing challenges regarding the modernization of its air force (mainly due to its exclusion from the F-35 acquisition program), it remains the second most powerful NATO force after the United States and has a highly developed fleet, which includes over 200 F-16 fighters. Up to 50 such aircraft could be sent to Syria.
Turkish weapons may be deployed in Syria
The F-16 is the most popular combat aircraft worldwide, a multirole fighter that can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (over 1,200 mph) and operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It is also capable of carrying various types of armaments, including AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and bombs.
Reuters, citing a senior official from Damascus who wishes to remain anonymous, reports that the new bases in Syria would be designed to defend the country's airspace in the event of any future attacks. Besides F-16 fighters, Turkish radar and electronic warfare systems could also be deployed in Syria.
One major demand of the new Syrian government in ongoing negotiations is the acquisition of modern Turkish weaponry, mainly drones. This likely refers to the Bayraktar TB2 drones or the more advanced Bayraktar Akinci.
