Syria has a rather large, but outdated air defense network. Around 130 sites. It’s a question of how many standoff PGM’s would Turkey be able to deploy, since their A2G weaponry is more advanced than Syria’s SAM systems. However, due to sheer number of SAM units, plus the early warning capability of S-200, only full scale attack would suffice.
Again, I don’t think Turkey will do it. Certainly, there are hot-heads in Ankara that would support military option, however USA won’t allow it (not yet, anyway), and the public opinion is strongly against.
Beating Syria’s dense air defenses is more than a matter of mere weapons. You need doctrine, tactics, appropriate C4W and proper aircrew training and preparation. It’s best to remember that Israel’s success against Syria’s air defenses in 1982 was the culmination of a decade-long process. I am not entirely sure the TuAF is entirely up to the task, certainly not by itself. Has it been preparing for such a scenario?
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