Syrian army sets trap to capture Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopter.
Following the Israeli Air Force's deployment of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to strike targets within Syrian territory, Damascus immediately retaliated.
On the night of July 11th, the Israeli Air Force launched an attack into Syrian territory in retaliation for reconnaissance drones launched from across the border infiltrating their territory.
Following the attack, fragments of the Spike NLOS long-range anti-tank missile were found in the wreckage, leading to the conclusion that Israel deployed AH-64 Apache attack helicopters because F-15 and F-16 fighters could not carry the weapon.
The fact that AH-64 helicopters could easily fly into Syrian airspace and then withdraw safely raised many questions about the combat readiness of Syrian air defenses; however, the reason has recently been explained.
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| An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter of the Israeli Air Force. |
It is known that in the aforementioned airstrike, Israeli Apache helicopters precisely targeted locations outside the protective zone of the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and artillery system, while Syrian soldiers lacked man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
The cause of this situation stems from the Syrian Army's decision to withdraw all MANPDAS systems from its inventory several years ago due to the growing strength of rebel groups.
Syrian military officials fear that rebels will seize these weapons and use them against them.
Furthermore, the rebels did not possess fighter jets, so the Syrian Army deemed it unnecessary to equip soldiers on the battlefield with MANPADS, creating a major vulnerability for Israel to exploit.
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| The Syrian army has decided to reinstate man-portable air defense missile systems for its soldiers. |
In light of this situation, the Syrian Ministry of Defense recently had to urgently order the reintroduction of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles to units fighting on the front lines.
This was a delay, but better late than never. If the attacking force had MANPADS in February, American planes wouldn't have been able to freely bomb and inflict heavy casualties on the government army and Russian Wagner troopers.
Syria's arsenal currently includes a considerable number of powerful MANPADS from various sources, including the Russian Igla and Strela-2, the Chinese-made FN-6, and the North Korean HT-16PGJ.
In addition, it cannot be ruled out that Russia will supply Syria with Verba missiles for testing their capabilities in the battlefield.
By this action, the Syrian government army has deployed a dense air defense network in the border area, determined to "capture" Israeli AH-64 Apache attack helicopters if they dare to intrude again in the future.
