Israel Destroys Syrian Aircraft as Country Makes First Attempts to Revive Its Air Force

The Israeli Air Force carried out four airstrikes on the runway at Abu al-Duhur military airbase in eastern Idlib Governorate, Syria.

The incident was reported by Levant24 and a number of other Syrian media outlets.

According to Clash Report, the airbase housed aircraft belonging to the resurgent Syrian Air Force.

In particular, these reportedly include around two refurbished Su-22 fighter-bombers, several L-39 trainer aircraft, and older helicopters.

The airstrike on the base came after footage recently emerged showing refurbished Su-22s conducting training flights over northern Syria.

The training sessions are taking place following the graduation on July 26 of the first 1,000 cadets from the Air Force College, who were trained after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.

According to The Military Balance, in 2024, the Syrian Air Force had 20 Su-22M3/M4 aircraft at its disposal.

Most of the aircraft left over from the Assad regime were in storage and unfit to fly.

The new Syrian government first sent a Su-22 into the air on September 7, 2025, at Shayrat Air Base.

In March last year, the army of Syria’s new government used its aircraft for the first time, including Mi-24 attack helicopters, in battles against remnants of pro-government forces.