Israel Concerned Over Accelerated Rebuilding of Syrian Air Force

Israel Concerned Over Accelerated Rebuilding of Syrian Air Force

Aug 11 2026

ARK News.. The Israeli military establishment has expressed concern over the noticeable acceleration in the rebuilding of the Syrian Air Force, nearly one year and eight months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and Israel’s announcement that it had destroyed Syria’s air capabilities.

According to a report published by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan News, Israeli surveillance has detected a series of developments indicating the resumption of Syrian air activity, most notably the recruitment of new pilots and training exercises involving trainer aircraft and helicopters.

Over the past two days, Syria witnessed its first aerial exercise involving Sukhoi fighter jets in the north of the country, in a sign that a minimum level of operational capability may be returning.

According to Kan News, the new Syrian armed forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa are receiving support from several countries, most notably Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and France, as well as from other regional actors.

Despite speculation over a possible future security agreement between Syria and Israel, Tel Aviv continues to monitor developments that could restrict its freedom of movement in Syrian airspace.

According to the report, Israel’s primary concern is the growing Turkish presence inside Syria, particularly the possibility of deploying advanced air-defense systems, which could pose a direct challenge to Israeli air superiority in the region.

Kan quoted an Israeli security source as saying: “We are closely monitoring developments and sharing our concerns with the United States,” referring to ongoing intelligence and diplomatic coordination with the U.S. administration over the Syrian file.

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