Between 1955 and mid-1965The Soviet Union finalizes military aid accords with Syria and 16 other less developed countries. —Central Intelligence Agency, "The Soviet Program of Military Aid to Less Developed Countries," 1 September 1965, <http://www.foia.cia.gov/>.
Post mid-1965
Syria is one of six nations that together represent approximately 93 percent of the total military support offered by the Soviet Union. This support includes the introduction of Soviet military technicians in Syria and training programs in the Soviet Union for Syrian military personnel.
—Central Intelligence Agency, "The Soviet Program of Military Aid to Less Developed Countries," 1 September 1965, <http://www.foia.cia.gov/>.
1967-1973
Syria embarks on a program to expand its military and the sophistication of its weaponry, leading up to its 1973 attack on Israel.
––Kenneth Timmerman, Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya (Los Angeles: Simon Wiesenthal Center, 1992), pp. 58-73.
13 July 1969
Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev formally accepts Syrian President al-Attassi's invitation to visit Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 13 July 1969.
13 March 1970
Israel reports renewed action on the Syrian and UAR fronts.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 13 March 1970.
21 March 1970
Moshe Dayan says that Israel will eliminate adversarial surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) in the region before they become operational, notwithstanding any potential consequence to Soviet technicians or operators at the sites.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 21 March 1970.
27 June 1970
Intensive fighting continues in the Golan area. Syria reports downing 11 Israeli jets, while Israel claims to have shot down 4 Syrian jets.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 27 June 1970.
November 1970
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad assumes power and immediately begins to strengthen Syria's military relations with the Soviet Union.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, The Risk Report, Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.
November 1970-1971
President Assad purchases Syria's first surface-to-surface missile (SSM), the FROG-7 (Free Rocket over Ground). The FROG is an unguided, solid-fueled missile that travels up to 70km. It may be equipped with either a high explosive or a tactical nuclear warhead. Syrian technicians are also invited to the Soviet Union to train on the FROG system.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, The Risk Report, Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>. 6 December 1970
Syrian President Assad praises his country's military and promises their forces will be strengthened. He allegedly intends to dispatch military personnel to the Suez Canal, where Soviet and Egyptian missile technicians are located, for training in the operation of Soviet SAM-2s and SAM-3s. Reports indicate the USSR will install SAMs in Syria in order to pressure a settlement that includes an Israeli capitulation of the Golan Heights.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 6 December 1970.
27 January 1971
The Israeli Knesset confirms reports that Syria requested and obtained missiles from the Soviet Union. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan says that Soviet-made SAM-2s are being installed in Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 27 January 1971.
1972
The Soviet Union ships six transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) and 6 reload vehicles to Syria.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, The Risk Report, Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.
10 May 1972
Soviet Minister of Defense Andrei Grechko arrives in Syria for a four-day visit. The Syrians reportedly lobby for an upgraded defensive network that includes SAM-3s.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 May 1972.
16 May 1972
Tass reports that the Soviet Union will supply Syria with additional weapons according to an agreement signed recently in Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 May 1972.
23 May 1972
A Soviet report says that US President Richard Nixon seeks to illicit Soviet restraint with regard to its plans to provide weapons to Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 23 May 1972.
13 September 1972
US officials allege that the USSR and Syria have settled on a security arrangement which permits the Soviets to install and use naval facilities at Syria's Latakia and Tartus ports in exchange for the Soviets providing advanced air-defense missiles and jet-fighter aircraft to Syria. The proposed MIG-21 fighters and SAM-3 missiles are meant to improve Syria's ability to protect its territory from Israeli air strikes.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 14 September 1972.
26 November 1972
Reports indicate that Syria's President Assad has asked the Soviets to consider a Syrian appeal for SAM-3 anti-aircraft missiles. The Soviets are reportedly hesitant to acquiesce, however, because creating new SAM-3 sites will require sending large numbers of Soviet pilots and technicians to Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 26 November 1972.
8 January 1973
Israeli fighter bombers attack targets and radar stations in the Latakia port area of Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 June 1973.
Early 1973
The Soviet Union ships another six transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) and six more reload vehicles to Syria.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, The Risk Report, Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.
Early 1973
Syria receives its first shipment of FROG missiles from the Soviet Union.
––Kenneth Timmerman, Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya (Los Angeles: Simon Wiesenthal Center, 1992), pp. 58-73.
7 June 1973
Syria says that Israeli fighters have been driven away from the coastal area between Tartus and Latakia by Syrian MIGs and ground defensive fire.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 June 1973.
8 June 1973
Sources say the Syrians have been replacing radar stations that were destroyed in January by Israeli air attacks. Sources also report that Soviet-made SAM-2s and mobile SAM-6s have been introduced recently around Damascus and other vital areas in Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 June 1973.
28 June 1973
Syrian Defense Minister and Deputy Commander in Chief Major General Tlas travels to the USSR with a delegation to discuss furthering cooperative efforts.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 30 June 1973.
29 June 1973
Defense Minister Tlas leads a Syrian military delegation to Hanoi. The Syrians solicit North Vietnamese military advisers with expertise in guerrilla warfare and the use of Soviet-made SAMs.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 30 June 1973.
12 September 1973
An Italian military source says that the two missiles fired on an El Al Airlines plane at Rome's Fiumcino airport are Soviet-made and of the SAM-7 type used only by the Syrian, Iraqi and Egyptian armies. Syria, Iraq and Egypt each deny providing arms to the Arabs who fired the missiles at the plane.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 13 September 1973.
13 September 1973
Syria reports that its jets clashed with a total of 64 Israeli jets over three hours along the Syrian coast between Latakia and Tartus. The Israeli jets were reportedly investigating the strengthened Syrian air-defense system. The Syrian military communiqué also says that five Israeli planes were shot down and eight Syrian planes were damaged.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 14 September 1973.
October 1973
The Syrians have reportedly assumed full operational control of the FROG-7s imported from the Soviet Union. During the Arab-Israeli war which begins on 6 October, the Syrians launch FROG missiles at Israeli sites, including the Ramat David air base, the Megiddo Airfield, and the Northern Command Headquarters in northern Israel. The missiles reportedly miss all of their intended targets, and in some cases hit civilian encampments. The Syrian military's experiences with the FROG missiles are their first bona fide opportunity to appreciate the advantage of such stand-off delivery vectors. In total, Syria reportedly launches approximately 25 FROG-7s.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, "The Risk Report," Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>; Kenneth R. Timmerman, "Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya," Special Report from Middle East Defense News, Simon Wiesenthal Center, August 1992.
6 October 1973
Heavy fighting breaks out between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights and between Israel and Egypt along the Suez Canal.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 7 October 1973.
6-7 October 1973
Missiles fired from Syria hit the town of Migdal Ha'Emek in Israel.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 October 1973.
7 October 1973
Syrian military command says its pilots, naval vessels and ground fire caused the downing of 10 Israeli planes and 2 helicopters.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 7 October 1973.
8 October 1973
A military analysis of the war concludes that the Israeli Air Force is attempting to eliminate Syrian SAM sites.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 October 1973.
8 October 1973
Israel claims it has achieved dominance over the skies of battle and crippled Syrian air defenses. Israel reportedly eliminates most of the SAM sites recently set up by the Syrians along a ceasefire line in the Golan Heights.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 October 1973.
8 October 1973
Western diplomatic sources in Beirut assert that Syria may have shot down 30 Israeli planes using mostly SAM-6 missiles since fighting began on 6 October. Syria says it has shot down a total of 105 planes.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 9 October 1973.
8 October 1973
Israel launches a counteroffensive that includes attacks on missile sites deep inside Syria. Israel also says it downed three Syrian Sukhoi-20 fighter bombers, which is the first reported detection of these advanced Soviet planes in the region.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 9 October 1973.
9 October 1973
A Soviet-made FROG-7 missile fired from Syria hits the Israeli Givat kibbutz. No injuries are reported as all the residents were in shelters when the missile hit.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 October 1973.
9 October 1973
Israeli air attacks on sites in the central Syrian city of Homs are linked to Syrian FROG-7 attacks on Israeli civilian sites over the past three days.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 October 1973.
9 October 1973
Israeli Major General Yariv acknowledges that Israel lost many airplanes as a result of Syrian and Egyptian missile attacks but says few were overcome in aerial combat.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 October 1973.
9 October 1973
US military officials note that unlike during the 1967 war, Israeli forces are now confronted with greatly enhanced air-defense systems which incorporate SAM-2, SAM-3 and SAM-6 missiles supplied by the Soviet Union.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 October 1973.
10 October 1973
Israeli military command announces the sinking of two Syrian missile boats during an attack on the Syrian port of Latakia.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 October 1973.
10 October 1973
US officials allege that the Soviet Union is airlifting military re-supply equipment to Syria and Egypt from Hungary. Sources say that approximately 30 planes were seen arriving at Syrian airports since October 9.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 October 1973.
10 October 1973
US and British military sources say that Soviet re-supply efforts to Syria and Egypt may tilt the war in the Arabs' favor. They anticipate that Soviet deliveries of SAM-2 and SAM-3 missiles are most vital as they could hamper Israeli air strikes.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 October 1973.
10 October 1973
The Soviet leadership reportedly sends a communiqué to Arab governments encouraging them to support Syria and Egypt in battle against Israel. The communiqué also states that the Soviets are providing "all types of assistance" including Soviet experts, arms and ammunition.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 October 1973.
11 October 1973
Israeli Foreign Minister Eban tells the UN Security Council that many Israeli civilian villages have been struck by Syrian FROG missiles.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 12 October 1973.
12 October 1973
Israel says its missile boats sank two Syrian missile boats during combat off the Syrian port of Tartus overnight. Syrian reports say that three Israeli boats were sunk in the encounter, but Israel reports that all of its crafts returned to their bases.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 12 October 1973.
12 October 1973
The Soviet Union alleges that Israel attacked and sank a Soviet merchant ship in the Syrian port of Tartus. An Israeli representative says the Soviet ship was damaged due to a naval battle between Syria and Israel.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 13 October 1973.
13 October 1973
Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir alleges that the USSR has airlifted more than 120 shipments of weapons to Syria, Iraq and Egypt since the start of the war on 6 October. In addition, Israeli estimates suggest that half of the Syrian air force has been destroyed, along with most of Syria's radar defense systems and military airfields.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 14 October 1973.
13 October 1973
US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger urges the USSR to demonstrate restraint in rearming Arab states, which Pentagon officials say is continuing throughout all hours of the day. The Pentagon estimates the Soviets have sent more than 2,000 tons of armaments since 9 October and that shipments of anti-aircraft missiles have taken the greatest toll on Israel's military.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 14 October 1973.
15 October 1973
US and other military sources say that large amounts of Soviet supplies are arriving in Syria by sea through the ports of Latakia and Tartus.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 October 1973.
18 October 1973
US officials say that Israeli jets battled with aircraft operated by North Koreans today. They also allege that there are North Vietnamese accompanying Syrian military forces as advisers related to air-defense and artillery units. Pentagon sources also say that Soviet shipments to the region include its new SAM-7 missile system.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 19 October 1973.
22 October 1973
The Soviet Union appears to be demanding cash for military supply shipments, causing Syria and Egypt to turn to wealthy Arab nations for financial assistance. Reports indicate that Abu Dhabi is seeking nearly $200 million in loans from Western banks in order to help fund the war efforts.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 22 October 1973.
30 October 1973
US officials say that Israel missed several dubious signals of an impending attack from Syria and Egypt, including the 1972 construction of a line of SAMs near both the Syrian and Egyptian ceasefire lines with Israel. Reports indicate that prior to the onset of the war, advisers from the Soviet Union persuaded Syrian and Egyptian military leaders that they could only hope to launch a successful, large-scale ground attack under the shield of missiles.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 31 October 1973.
12 December 1973
NATO military experts have concluded that the Soviet anti-tank missiles and new anti-aircraft missiles used by Syria during the war fared beyond expectation and that NATO is currently without a reliable response to them.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 12 October 1973.
1974
Based on the poor performance of its FROG missiles during the Arab-Israeli war, Syria seeks to upgrade its missile arsenal. Moscow agrees to restock the FROG missiles Syria used in combat last year, and in addition, to supply Syria with Scud missiles. Syrian officers reportedly travel to the Soviet Union to be trained in the operation of Scud missiles.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, "The Risk Report," Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.
4 February 1974
Syria's overall budget for 1974 is estimated to be $1.7 billion with defense expenditures representing $400 million of the total budget. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union is reportedly requiring that Syria pay cash for arms and equipment to replace that lost during the October war. In turn, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Libya and Algeria are providing Syria and Egypt with financial aid for the purchase of weapons.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 4 February 1974.
1 April 1974
Two Soviet merchant ships are unloading MIG-23s in Syria, according to Israeli intelligence. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan says that these jets are more advanced than the MIG-21s currently in Syria and this will impact the air power balance in the region. In addition, he says that a Cuban brigade of nearly 3,000 men has been transferred to Syria. Dayan also says that Soviet pilots are no longer deployed in the Middle East.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 April 1974.
24 April 1974
Journalists in Damascus report seeing an Israeli plane shot down after an apparent missile hit.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 25 April 1974.
1 May 1974
US military experts say that Syria, along with Israel and Egypt, shot down many of their own aircraft during the October war using surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Syria reportedly shot down almost 20 of the Soviet-made MIG jets provided to it by Iraq.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 May 1974.
6 August 1974
Israeli leaders assess that the Soviet Union has supplied Syria with more than $2 billion in modern armaments in the last 20 months and that this has produced a considerable change in the balance of power in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres tells the Israeli parliament that increased Soviet shipments to Syria include Scud ground-to-ground missiles. He also says that the Syrian Air Force is now 25% stronger than it was at the start of the October 1973 war and the Syria's anti-aircraft missile defense system has grown by approximately 20%.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 August 1974.
28 August 1974
France decides to sell arms to Syria and other Middle East nations without previous restraints meant to protect against arms transmissions to battlefront nations.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 28 August 1974.
4 October 1974
Israeli Foreign Minister Yigal Allon says that recent arms shipments from the Soviet Union to Syria cannot be regarded as defensive arms since some of it, such as the mid-range missiles and MIG-23 fighter planes, can reach every one of Israel's cities.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 5 October 1974.
16 November 1974
Reports indicate that weapons are being unloaded off of 20 Soviet ships in Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 November 1974.
16 November 1974
Israeli and Western military sources say that Israel's ability to destroy Soviet-made Scud missile batteries in Syria is a major military factor in terms of any renewed hostilities in the Middle East. US intelligence sources judge that the Israelis believe they are able to destroy the missiles.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 November 1974.
4 December 1974
Arab diplomatic sources say that a number of Middle East governments, including Syria, have received assurances from the Soviet Union that they will be supplied with nuclear weapons if it is proven Israel possesses them. The sources also allege that Syrian specialists have been trained in arming Soviet-made missiles with nuclear warheads.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 4 December 1974.
17 December 1974
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres says that Soviet military personnel are operating Syrian SAM batteries near Damascus and that there are approximately 3,000 Soviet soldiers in Syria. He also estimates that the Soviets have shipped Syria at least 300 jet fighters, including 50 MIG-23s, along with surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and SAMs.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 18 December 1974.
1975-76
North Korea acquires approximately 24 to 56 FROG-7B (9M21E Luna-M) artillery rockets from Egypt. Syria may have been involved in this transfer or may have separately transferred a small number of FROG-7Bs.
--Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 6.
6 January 1975
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres alleges that Palestinian troops with anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles are moving from Syria into southern Lebanon.
—"Israelis cross into Lebanon," Facts on File World News Digest, 11 January 1975.
25 January 1975
President Anwar Sadat of Egypt tells Le Monde that the Russians have given Syria all the assistance they have requested.
—"Egypt; Precise," The Economist, 25 January 1975.
27 January 1975
The Saudi king visits Syria and watches a demonstration of Soviet arms at an air base. The king reportedly gives Syrian President Assad a billion dollars to use to purchase more arms.
—"Newsletters: Worldgram," U.S. News & World Report, 27 January 1975.
5 February 1975
The Arab League's Joint Defense Council discusses the potential for Syria to provide Lebanon with technical assistance for the operation of Soviet-made anti-aircraft missiles, but no final decision is made.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 7 February 1975.
7-9 February 1975
Syria allegedly supplies Eritrean guerrillas with Soviet-made rockets and anti-aircraft missiles.
—"Eritrean warfare continues," Facts on File World News Digest, 15 February 1975.
24 March 1975
The House Armed Services Special Subcommittee on the Middle East made a trip to the Middle East last month, which reportedly has led its members to conclude that Syria now possesses more major weapons than was the case at the beginning of the October 1973 war.
—"Mideast Balance," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 24 March 1975.
23 April 1975
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad announce a joint committee to promote integrated military, political and diplomatic plans against Israel.
—"Egypt, Syria unify stand," Facts on File World News Digest, 3 May 1975.
24 April 1975
Syria and Jordan are reported to have reached an agreement establishing joint land and air military commands. The Soviets reportedly guarantee the Jordanians they will receive surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) as part of the Soviet's backing of these joint command centers.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 25 April 1975.
25 April 1975
An Israeli official says it is likely that the Soviet Union and Syria offered to supply Jordan with SAM-2 and SAM-3 missile systems as part of a joint command deal.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 26 April 1975.
30 April 1975
Jordanian King Hussein says there is no truth to the reports that Syria and Jordan agreed to a joint military command the previous week.
—"U.S. to sell Jordan missiles," Facts on File World News Digest, 10 May 1975.
28 May 1975
Responding to reports of a new Libyan arms deal with the Soviet Union, Egyptian President Sadat complains that the Soviet Union has refused to sell such modern equipment to both Egypt and Syria.
—"Soviet-Libyan arms deal," Facts on File World News Digest, 31 May 1975.
15 June 1975
US military analysts say that a joint military command between Jordan and Syria might include the transfer of Soviet-built SAMs and anti-tank weapons from Syria to Jordan.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 15 June 1975.
23 June 1975
Newsweek reports that Syrian President Assad went to Amman last week. It is also reported that Syrian anti-aircraft missiles have been moved in order to better protect Jordan's air space.
—Arnaud de Borchgrave, "The PLO's Ebb Tide," Newsweek, 23 June 1975.
11 July 1975
Jordanian King Hussein says that he is purchasing advanced US weaponry for his military in order to defend Syria against any flanking maneuver by Israel that may run through Jordan.
—Juan De Onis, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 July 1975.
17 July 1975
Some Western diplomats reportedly fear that Saudi Arabian weapons will be provided to Syria in the event of any new Arab-Israeli war.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 17 July 1975.
20 July 1975
US and Israeli officials are paying special heed to a new rapprochement between Syria and Jordan, which includes the recent creation of a joint high command to synchronize their mutual military, political, economic and cultural policies.
—Terence Smith, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 20 July 1975.
21 July 1975
Members of the US Congress are concerned about the prospective sale of a $350-million air-defense system to Jordan due to the potential it will be used as protection for Syrian forces in future confrontations with Israel. Congressional critics of the arms deal say that Jordan would have entered the 1973 war against Israel if it possessed long-range missiles like those in this proposed package. Any congressional veto of the $350-million project must occur prior to 30 July.
—"Mideast Arms," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 21 July 1975; "Congress fires on arms exports," Business Week, 11 August 1975.
27 July 1975
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres and other Israeli military officials point out that Syria and other Arab nations have improved their military prowess since the October 1973 war due to arms shipments from the Soviet Union and the United States.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 27 July 1975.
3 August 1975
Syria reportedly moves troops to the Iraqi border and anti-aircraft batteries to the Tabqa dam in central Syria.
—Juan De Onis, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 3 August 1975.
9 August 1975
The Syrians have reportedly offered to provide Jordanian King Hussein with Russian SAMs and relevant operational training in the event that the American Congress refuses to greenlight the 14 batteries of Hawk ground-to-air missiles which he seeks. The US administration believes that Jordan will purchase Soviet-made missiles from Syria if the Hawk deal is disallowed.
—"Jordan: Not From Russia," The Economist, 9 August 1975; "Congress fires on arms exports," Business Week, 11 August 1975.
22 August 1975
A Syrian-Jordanian communiqué is released suggesting that Jordan might request Soviet arms due to US congressional reluctance to endorse the proposed air-defense system sale to Jordan.
—Bernard Gwertzman, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 24 August 1975.
8 September 1975
An analysis concludes that Arab nations have received a combined total of approximately $10 billion in arms and military equipment from the USSR, including missiles for supersonic warplanes.
—"Breakthrough in Mideast – U.S. Takes on Controversial Role," U.S. News & World Report, 8 September 1975.
10 September 1975
Israeli Premier Yitzhak Rabin says that Soviet sway in the Middle East is dropping and this will cause them to offer increased support on extremists in the region. Rabin adds that the Soviets are already providing both Syria and Libya with modern equipment, including MIG 25s and SAMs.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 10 September 1975.
17 September 1975
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres calls on the US to provide Israel with new missiles to counterbalance those that the Soviets are providing to Syria and other Arab countries. Peres says that Israel needs the Lance and Pershing missiles to deter the Soviet FROG and SS-1C Scud missiles in Syria. However, senior US Defense Department officials are expressing worry that new missile deals with Israel will provoke a more intensive arms race in the Middle East. It is expected that if Israel is cleared to receive the Pershing, the Soviet Union would in turn be pressured by Arabs to provide the new Soviet SS-12 Scaleboard missile.
—"Sinai pact documents made public," Facts on File World News Digest, 20 September 1975; "Defense Concern," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 22 September 1975; "Missile medley," The Economist, 27 September 1975.
October-December 1975
Syria test fires ground-to-ground missiles and conducts military maneuvers in Syria and Jordan.
—Milton R. Benjamin, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Jay Axelbank and Lloyd H. Norman, "Hatchet Men," Newsweek, 1 December 1975.
Early October 1975
Syrian President Assad travels to Moscow. Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas stays in Moscow after President Assad leaves in order to hammer out details of a military assistance program. The key element of the deal is reportedly increasing the number of Soviet military advisers in Syria.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 17 July 1975.
9 December 1975
Syrian President Assad visits Jordan.
—Flora Lewis, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 19 January 1976.
26 October 1975
Israeli and US military officials are concerned that Syria is receiving more advanced arms deliveries and an increased number of military advisers from the Soviet Union. It is feared that the Soviets are intent upon making Syria a predominant military power in the region. The Syrians are reported to have received 45 MIG-23s, nearly 75 MIG-21s and 15 SU-7 ground-attack planes. An Israeli estimate also claims that Syria has received 40 SAM ground-to-air missile batteries from Moscow.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 26 October 1975; "From the Capitals of the World," U.S. News & World Report, 8 December 1975.
17 November 1975
Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi says that Iran provided some financial assistance to Syria in the past year.
—"Interview with Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi," Business Week, 17 November 1975.
26 November 1975
According to Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres, Syria test fires a Scud.
—"Israeli Charges U.S. Has Yet to Fulfill All Promises of Weapons," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 22 December 1975.
Mid-December 1975
Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres says that there are approximately 1,000 Soviet-made Scud and FROG missiles in the Middle East.
—"Israeli Charges U.S. Has Yet to Fulfill All Promises of Weapons," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 22 December 1975.
24-31 December 1975
Syrian and Jordanian army units undertake joint maneuver in order to test their defensive responses to a potential Israeli offensive strike against Damascus. This is the first major Syrian-Jordanian operation since the two agreed to a joint military command almost a year ago.
—Flora Lewis, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 19 January 1976.
25 December 1975
US Representative Robert Leggett discusses plans to sell Israel F-15 fighter jets to counter Soviet-made MIG-23s, as well as the MIG-25 interceptor and reconnaissance planes that are being flown in Syria by Soviet pilots.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 25 December 1975.
18 January 1976
US and Israeli military officers say that Israel's acquisition of four Grumman E-2C Hawkeye advanced radar surveillance planes from the United States will be particularly effective for detecting missile launchings, especially ground-to-ground missiles.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 18 January 1976.
Early 1976
The Soviet Union ships 12 Scud launchers to Syria.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, "The Risk Report," Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.
8 February 1976
The Director General of the office of the Prime Minister of Israel says that the Soviet Union is trying to slant the military balance of power in the Middle East against Israel mainly by arming Syria, Libya and Iraq.
—Amos Eiran, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 8 February 1976.
7 March 1976
Israeli sources estimate that there are currently nearly 350 Soviet-made Scuds in Arab possession, with most of those reportedly in Syria. A senior Israeli defense official is reported to estimate that Arabs have a 12-to-1 superiority ratio against Israel in all types of missiles, a 10-to-1 superiority ratio in surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, a 13-to-1 superiority ratio in airbases, and a 3-to-1 superiority ratio in tanks and aircraft. US military analysts agree that Syria is better armed now than at the start of war in 1973.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 7 March 1976.
4 April 1976
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat blames Syria for the outbreak of civil war in Lebanon and claims that Syria provides arms for both sides there.
—Flora Lewis, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 5 April 1976.
1 June 1976
Soviet Prime Minister Kosygin visits Syria for talks with government officials.
—James M. Markham, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 June 1976.
4 June 1976
Syrian MIGs fly over Beirut.
—Henry Tanner, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 4 June 1976.
4 June 1976
Soviet Prime Minister Kosygin says the talks conducted during his four-day visit in Syria have deepened relations and collaboration between the two nations. A Soviet-Syrian communiqué is released, emphasizing continued Soviet assistance geared towards improving Syria's defensive capabilities.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 5 June 1976.
11 June 1976
Syria does not react to Soviet criticism of its incursion into Lebanon, which appears in a statement issued by Tass.
—James F. Clarity, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 June 1976.
12 June 1976
The Cairo daily newspaper Al Akhbar says Syria is attacking Lebanese and Palestinians in Lebanon using Soviet equipment.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 12 June 1976.
12 June 1976
US and Israeli officials say that Syria may be spending up to $1 million each day to sustain its military forces in Lebanon. The Syrians reportedly requested financial assistance from the Soviets but were denied.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 12 June 1976.
2 October 1976
Reports indicate that President Assad has rebuffed Soviet leader Brezhnev's direct request that Syria withdraw its troops from Lebanon. An aide to President Assad says that this difference of opinion has not harmed Soviet-Syrian relations, and he is unable to confirm reports that the Soviets warned they might reduce military assistance to Syria.
—James F. Clarity, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 October 1976.
4 October 1976
Syria is spending a reported $800 million annually on defense and military expenditures. This spending accounts for at least one-third of Syria's national budget.
—James F. Clarity, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 4 October 1976.
26 November 1976
Sources say that Syria has transferred SAM-6 anti-aircraft missiles and anti-aircraft guns into Lebanon. The missiles reportedly remain in eastern Lebanon.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 26 November 1976.
4 March 1977
US intelligence sources believe that Syrian President Assad is attempting to diminish Syria's reliance on sophisticated arms from the Soviet Union without causing a complete stoppage of supply shipments from there. Assad is now reportedly purchasing military equipment including anti-tank missiles from France. Intelligence officials also report a significant decrease in Soviet military personnel in Syria over the past several months. Whereas there were some 3,500 Soviet advisers in Syria after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, US intelligence reports now calculate that there are only 1,800 advisers in the country.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 4 March 1977.
4 March 1977
US President Jimmy Carter says that he has been in contact with the Soviet Union, Germany, France and Great Britain about trying to curtail the excessive amount of weapons being sold around the world. Carter mentions that leaders of countries in the Middle East told US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance last month during his visit to the region that they are spending too much money on arms.
—"Carter Reports Favorable Response On Efforts to Reduce Arms Sales," Washington Post, 6 March 1977.
19 April 1977
Syrian President Assad meets with Soviet leader Brezhnev in Moscow.
—Christopher S. Wren, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 19 April 1977.
24 April 1977
Sources say that the Soviet Union and Syria agreed to improve their strained relations during President Assad's recent visit to Moscow. They also agreed that Syria will continue to receive Soviet shipments of arms and related equipment.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 24 April 1977.
9 May 1977
Israel is outfitting its jet fighters with a long-range television-guided missile intended to defeat the Soviet-made SA-6 anti-aircraft missile installations operated by Syria and other Arab nations.
—"Israel Equips Fighters With New Missile," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 9 May 1977.
26 May 1977
Kuwaiti officials confirm that Kuwait will purchase arms from the Soviet Union, including the SA-7 shoulder-fired missile and the FROG surface-to-surface missiles. They also confirm that Syria will assist Kuwait in the operation and maintenance of this new equipment.
—Thomas W. Lippman, "Kuwait Buying Soviet Arms for Cash, Not Ideology," Washington Post, 26 May 1997.
2 June 1977
Following President Assad's trip to Moscow in April, the Soviet Union has reportedly recommenced its arms shipments to Syria. The number of Soviet military advisers in Syria is now approximately 2,000.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 June 1977.
15 August 1977
Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas is reported to have concluded a $500-million arms deal during a recent trip to Moscow. Syria will reportedly receive the most up-to-date MIG-23 jet fighters as well as sophisticated missiles.
—"Latest U.S. Peace Effort – Will It Save Egypt's Sadat?" U.S. News & World Report, 15 August 1977.
2 October 1977
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that 1976 saw Soviet deliveries of military arms and equipment to third world nations grow to their largest level since the Soviet Union provided arms to Arab countries after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Arms shipments to Syria during the year, however, are reported to have dwindled.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 2 October 1977.
Early November 1977
Israel receives its first US-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles, which reportedly eclipse the aging stock of Soviet-made Styx missiles that are carried aboard Syrian missile boats.
—"New Missiles for Israel," Newsweek, 7 November 1977.
15 November 1977
It is reported that Somalia has received Soviet arms from Syria in the past.
—David B. Ottaway, "U.S. Applauds Somali Decision To Expel Soviets," Washington Post, 15 November 1977.
1 December 1977
US intelligence sources say that President Carter's attempts to curtail Soviet arms shipments to third world countries have failed. Instead, the Soviet Union has reportedly sped up its military sales, especially in the Middle East where, according to US and NATO analysts, it is expected to take advantage of the current divide in the Arab world.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 1 December 1977.
31 December 1977
Syria's President Assad is said to be planning a new military buildup in order to better his position vis-à-vis Israel. He reportedly asked the Soviet Union for new weapons in recent days and is preparing to send a military delegation to Moscow.
—Don Oberdorfer, "Middle East: Stunning Changes, But Much Yet to Do," Washington Post, 1 January 1977.
1978
According to a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report, there are 2,580 Russian and East European advisors, technicians and instructors in Syria.
—Fred S. Hoffman, Associated Press, 18 October 1979.
1978
Israel assails West Germany for failing to stop the delivery of missile systems made by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) to Syria. The West German government argues that MBB only supplied constituent parts to Euromissile, a subordinate to France's Aerospatiale firm, which in turn assembled and shipped the missiles in a venue outside the control of the German government.
—John Tagliabue, "West Germany Debates Role of Arms Industry," New York Times, 11 August 1980.
3 January 1978
The London-based Arabic language newspaper Al Manar reports that the Soviets intend to supply Syria with "a giant air defense umbrella" which will include air-to-ground missiles of the sort not currently installed in the region. Citing unnamed sources, the paper also alleges that Soviet technicians are already working to set up and run the system in Syria.
—Associated Press, 3 January 1978.
8 January 1978
In response to Egypt's peace overtures with Israel, Syria is expected to receive a large shipment later this month of Soviet military equipment, including sophisticated air-defense missiles. Diplomatic sources in Damascus say the missiles are a modified version of the SAM-6 which now includes an enhanced guidance system capable of prevailing over Israel's jamming techniques.
—"Syria Reportedly Will Receive Advanced Soviet Missile, Tanks," Washington Post, 9 January 1978.
11 January 1978
The US State Department confirms that the Soviet Union has agreed to provide increased military aid to Syria.
—Associated Press, 11 January 1978.
25 January 1978
Syria says one of its main concerns is fortifying its military in order to create a strategic balance with Israel.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 25 January 1978.
6 February 1978
Newsweek reports that since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Syria has received at least $1-billion in MIG and Sukhoi planes, Scud-B missiles, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and other weaponry.
—Kim Willenson, Lloyd H. Norman, William E. Schmidt and Milan J. Kubic, "The Newest Arms Race," Newsweek, 6 February 1978.
8 February 1978
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Mordechai Zippori says Israel is greatly concerned by West Germany and France's recent sales of missile systems to Syria.
—Associated Press, 8 February 1978.
11 February 1978
During a meeting between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli opposition leader Shimon Peres, Peres communicates his dismay about the recent missile sale to Syria by a French firm that is producing the missiles together with a West German company.
—Michael Getler, "Sadat Meets Peres: Says Peace Drive Regains Momentum," Washington Post, 12 February 1978.
15 February 1978
Responding to the United States' plans to sell sophisticated fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, Israel expresses concern that the planes might be transferred from Saudi Arabia to hostile states in the region such as Syria.
—Richard L. Homan, "U.S. Offers to Sell 3 Mideast Nations $5 Billion in Jets," Washington Post, 15 February 1978.
23 February 1978
Soviet leader Brezhnev and Syrian President Assad conclude two days of talks in Moscow. Western diplomats construe Soviet Defense Minister Dmitri Ustinov's presence at the meetings as a sign that Soviet military assistance to Syria was discussed.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 23 February 1978.
13 March 1978
After a bloody weekend attack by insurgents on sightseers in Israel, civilians from southern Lebanese cities are reportedly fleeing their homes in fear of retaliation by Israeli forces. Syrian peacekeeping forces operating in Lebanon since 1976 are reportedly moving big guns and missile batteries into the coastal areas 25 miles south of Beirut.
—Larry Thorson, Associated Press, 13 March 1978.
14 March 1978
An interview with Syrian President Assad is published wherein he says Syria is an independent, nonaligned country that is not seeking Soviet military assistance.
—James Barrett Reston, New York Times, 14 March 1978.
19 March 1978
President Assad says that Syria's airspace is open to any Arabs and any military equipment seeking to enter Lebanon and fight against the Israeli military there. Reports indicate that Syria has agreed to permit Iraq to ship arms and supplies through Syria to PLO forces in Lebanon.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 18 March 1976; Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 19 March 1978.
19 June 1978
The Israeli military estimates that Syria possesses 70 SAM missile battalions.
—David A. Brown, "Israelis Intensify Readiness Training," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 19 June 1978.
17 July 1978
Lebanese President Elias Sarkis reportedly has given permission to Syria to install ground-to-air missiles in Lebanon.
—"What brings Lebanon back to the brink," Business Week, 17 July 1978.
22 July 1978
Sources in Damascus say that Syria is providing arms to Eritrean forces trying to gain independence from Ethiopia, a nation that receives massive military aid from the Soviet Union.
—Associated Press, 22 July 1978.
31 July 1978
The US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency reports that in 1976, Syria spent $873 million—14% of its gross national product—on military expenditures.
—Katherine Johnsen, "Arms Exports Increase 60% in Decade," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 31 July 1978.
26 August 1978
Syrian soldiers arrest citizens in east and north Lebanon near Syrian-controlled anti-aircraft missile batteries. The Associated Press reports that this is the first time the Soviet-made SAM missiles are reported to be operating by Syrians inside Lebanon.
—Associated Press, 26 August 1978.
31 August-1 September 1978
Syria moves anti-aircraft equipment into parts of eastern Lebanon.
—"Israel, Syria Trade Warnings," Facts on File World News Digest, 8 September 1978.
31 August 1978
Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan tells members of his staff that the current "creeping occupation" of Syrian forces in Lebanon may result in the installation of Syrian surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) and Soviet technicians alongside Israel's border.
—William Claiborne, "Dayan Intensifies Israeli Warnings Over Lebanon," Washington Post, 1 September 1978.
4 September 1978
Syrian air defenses are reportedly reinforced as Syrian troops install anti-aircraft artillery in the Lebanese town of Chtoura.
—"Israel, Syria Trade Warnings," Facts on File World News Digest, 8 September 1978.
6 September 1978
The Voice of Lebanon Christian radio station claims that Soviet technicians are helping Syrian forces to install anti-aircraft and ground-to-ground missile launchers in eastern and northern Lebanon.
—The Associated Press, 6 September 1978.
20 September 1978
Israeli UN Ambassador Yehuda Blum alleges that Palestinian terrorists operating in Lebanon are supplied and trained by the Soviet Union. Blum also says that the Soviets channel weapons to these Palestinians through Syria.
—Cynthia Stevens, Associated Press, 20 September 1978.
2 October 1978
Jordanian newspaper El Rai reports that a Syrian military delegation is currently in Moscow trying to strike a new weapons deal. The Syrians are allegedly asking for MIG-27 fighter jets and other advanced weapons, including missiles.
—Elias Antar, Associated Press, 2 October 1978.
5 October 1978
Syrian President Assad arrives in Moscow to negotiate an arms purchase and receive Moscow's support to try to upset the Camp David peace agreements between Israel and Egypt. Soviet leader Brezhnev met President Assad at the airport in Moscow.
—Associated Press, 5 October 1978.
6 October 1978
Tass reports that Moscow has promised new support to Syria and other Arab nations who oppose the Camp David agreements. Also, a Syrian-Soviet joint communiqué is released to announce that both parties have agreed to "relevant decisions" about more Soviet arms assistance for Syria.
—"Soviets Pledge More Arms to Syria," Facts on File World News Digest, 13 October 1978.
29 October 1978
Increased Soviet military shipments to Iraq and Syria are reported to have been made conditional on cooperation between the two countries.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 29 October 1978.
31 October 1978
Israeli Labor Party leader Shimon Peres expresses concern about the influx of Soviet weapons into the Middle East.
—Associated Press, 31 October 1978.
16 November 1978
The Arab Organization for Industrialization is formed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and is based on a plan to manufacture advanced weapons in Egypt. US and West European sources say that this move may ultimately entice other Soviet armament clients away from the USSR, although some US arms manufacturers say the new Arab organization is inexperienced in weapons production and thus may falter beneath their excessive expectations.
—Drew Middleton, Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 November 1978.
27 November 1978
Sources in Damascus say that Syrian President Assad will travel to Hungary and then possibly Moscow in an effort to settle a dispute with the Kremlin. The sources say Syria is at odds with Moscow over a repayment schedule for prior arms purchases, as well as the amount and quality of new weapons the Soviets will sell to Syria in the future. Another reported cause of tension is based in Assad's desire to buy more advanced weaponry from European sources in order to diversity his military assets. There have also been reports that some Syrian military officials have criticized the paucity and slowness of Soviet spare parts shipments.
—George A. Krimsky, Associated Press, 27 November 1978.
29 November 1978
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anbaa reports that Syrian President Assad has on three occasions rejected Soviet demands to sign a treaty of alliance. As a result, the Soviets allegedly told the Syrian leader that while Syria is a friendly nation to the Soviet Union, it is not an ally. As a friend, the Soviets reportedly said, Syria may only pay cash in US dollars for its arms purchases and the prices have gone up. A British journal also reports the Soviets have insisted that they authorize any use of weapons supplied by them to Syria in the future and that Soviet experts be assigned to each Syrian unit receiving new Soviet-made weaponry.
—"Foreign news reports on Soviet-Syrian relations," Xinhua News Agency, 13 December 1978.
11 December 1978
Iraqi Vice President Saddam Hussein arrives in Moscow in a visit some sources suggest is aimed at rectifying troubled Syrian-Soviet relations. The visit reportedly comes amid rumors that Syria's President Assad cancelled a planned trip to Moscow because the Soviets denied additional arms until he agrees to sign a bilateral friendship treaty.
—Associated Press, 11 December 1978.
1979-1983
Syria embarks on a second wave of military expansion in the effort to achieve "strategic parity" with Israel.
––Kenneth Timmerman, Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya (Los Angeles: Simon Wiesenthal Center, 1992), pp. 58-73.
9 January 1979
Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas is reportedly in Moscow to seek a larger supply of Soviet weaponry.
—"Syrian, Iraqi Presidents to Meet to Bolster Ties," Washington Post, 10 January 1979.
24 March 1979
Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko arrives in Damascus for discussions with Syrian President Assad.
—Associated Press, 24 March 1979.
12 March 1979
A right-wing radio station in Beirut reports that Syria is transferring Soviet-made surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) into Lebanon in response to stepped up Israeli air strikes in that country.
—Associated Press, 12 May 1979.
24 May 1979
According to Voice of Lebanon radio, Syrian MIG-21 fighter jets flew over Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley in order to protect ground-to-air missile bases from Israeli warplane attacks.
—Associated Press, 24 May 1979.
6 June 1979
The Cairo weekly Akhir Sa'ah reports officials in Syria and Iraq are pressuring resistance organizations in Lebanon to disarm Palestinians there. According to the newspaper, Syrian forces recently confiscated 800 Soviet Grad missiles within that context.
—"Palestinians to Evacuate Tyre and S. Lebanese Villages," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 June 1979.
23 June 1979
Libyan leader Mu`ammar al-Qadhdhafi flies to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Assad about increasing Libyan assistance vis-à-vis Syrian defenses against Israel. Western diplomats suggest this assistance would include financing for new Syrian weapons purchases from the Soviet Union.
—Associated Press, 23 June 1979.
27 June 1979
Syrian and Israeli fighter planes engage in two dogfights over southern Lebanon. This is Israel's first use of the American-made F-15 Eagle, which outclasses Syrian MIG-21s confronted in today's battle.
—Associated Press, 27 June 1979; Associated Press, 28 June 1979; Fred S. Hoffman, Associated Press, 28 June 1979.
28 June 1979
Syria reportedly elevates its entire air-defense system to high alert status.
—Associated Press, 28 June 1979.
5 July 1979
Western military analysts say that Syria's decision to use its less advanced MIG-21 jet fighter in the recent dogfights with Israeli planes over Lebanon reflect a conscious decision to prevent escalation of hostilities to a larger level. Analysts also say there is no indication that Syrian forces are readying their SAM-6 missile batteries in Lebanon, which seems to be another sign that the Syrians are not interested in more intense engagements with the Israelis.
—Edward Cody, "Syria to Challenge Israeli Jets Over Lebanon," Washington Post, 6 July 1979.
13 July 1979
Libyan leader Mu`ammar al-Qadhdhafi says he will replace Syrian planes lost in recent dogfights with Israel. The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas also says that Qadhdhafi has pledged to send ground-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles to the Syrians for use in southern Lebanon.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 13 July 1979; Associated Press, 18 July 1979.
19 July 1979
Israeli Air Force Commander David Ivri says that Israel is not engaged in a war with Syria now, but that tensions will escalate if the Syrians introduce anti-aircraft missile batteries into Lebanon.
—"Lebanon: In Brief," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 July 1979.
22 July 1979
According to a Voice of Lebanon radio broadcast, Syria has set up SAMs in the Urqub region and around the Qualyat airfield in Akkar.
—"Lebanon: In Brief," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 July 1979.
27 July 1979
Lebanese radio reports that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have attacked parts of southwestern Lebanon where Syrian forces maintain control. These attacks come amid other radio reports in recent days that the Syrians have completed three defense systems in the region, including trenches for anti-aircraft missiles.
—"Lebanon: In Brief; Reports of Israeli Shelling," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 30 July 1979.
6 September 1979
Libya gives Syria four MIG-23 jet fighter planes to replace the four MIG-21s lost during dogfights with Israeli planes in June.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 6 September 1979.
19 September 1979
Syrian and Israeli jets duel over southern Lebanon. Israeli newspapers report that the Syrians used air-to-air missiles in the encounter.
—Associated Press, 24 September 1979.
24 September 1979
Syrian and Israeli jets sparred over Lebanon in the most active air battle between the two in three months. Israel reports shooting down four Syrian MIG-21 jet fighters. The Israeli jets were reportedly on a routine reconnaissance mission looking for Palestinian guerrilla strongholds.
—Associated Press, 24 September 1979; "Israelis Down 4 Syrian Jets," Facts on File World News Digest, 5 October 1979.
24 September 1979
At a news conference, the Israeli head of intelligence, Joshua Sagi, says that he does not believe the Syrians will bring SAMs into Lebanon.
—"Syrian-Israeli Air Battle Over Lebanon," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 September 1979.
8 October 1979
Syrian fighter planes shoot down an unmanned Israeli spy plane. An Israeli military commander says that the reconnaissance plane was investigating "a massive buildup of Soviet military equipment near the city of Homs" in western Syria.
—Louis Fares, Associated Press, 8 October 1979.
8 October 1979
The Syrian government announces that President Assad will travel to Moscow later in the month.
—Louis Fares, Associated Press, 8 October 1979.
11 October 1979
Palestinian sources report that Syrian and Israeli jets exchanged fire over Lebanon today.
—Associated Press, 11 October 1979.
15 October 1979
Syrian President Assad arrives in Moscow for talks with the Soviet leadership about modernizing the Syrian air force. This visit follows recent Syrian-Israeli dogfights in which Syrian jets were demonstrably outgunned by the Israeli's American-made planes.
—Associated Press, 15 October 1979.
17 October 1979
Syrian President Hafez Assad and a delegation including Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas flew to Soviet Armenia today following talks in Moscow which reportedly netted increased Soviet arms shipments. Tlas will reportedly return to Moscow after the trip to Armenia so as to conduct more detailed military discussions with Soviet Defense Minister Dmitri Ustinov.
—Associated Press, 17 October 1979.
26 October 1979
Syrian officials say that President Assad's recent trip to Moscow has successfully thawed Syrian-Soviet relations, placing them on a more positive footing and generating new pledges from the Kremlin to help modernize the Syrian military forces. The Soviets have reportedly promised to supply Syria with MIG-25s and other up-to-date arms. Syrian Defense Minister Tlas reportedly remains in Moscow where he is working out the details for forthcoming military deliveries.
—"Syrians, Soviets End Rift; New Arms Pledged," Washington Post, 27 October 1979; Christopher S. Wren, New York Times, 4 November 1979.
3 December 1979
The Soviets have reportedly written off Syria's $500-million debt for past arms shipments.
—"Mecca and the Gulf," Newsweek, 3 December 1979; "Assad Gets Soviet Arms Pledge," Facts on File World News Digest, 9 November 1979.
Early 1980s
It is believed that Iran facilitates the passage of, and/or pays for, North Korean-built Scud-C missiles to Syria.
––William E. Burrows and Robert Windrem, Critical Mass: The Dangerous Race for Superweapons in a Fragmenting World (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 336.
27 January 1980
Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko begins a three-day visit to Damascus during which he provides reassurance of Moscow's friendship. He also tells Syrian President Assad that the Soviet Union may provide Syria with more modern weapons, including MIG-25 aircraft and ground-to-air SAM-6s and SAM-9 missiles.
—Associated Press, 28 January 1980; Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 29 January 1980; "Moscow's Moslem friend," The Economist, 2 February 1980; "Syria and Israel; Watching," The Economist, 9 February 1980
21 February 1980
Syria announces its intention to increase defense spending to a sum greater than half of its total budget.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 21 February 1980.
8 March 1980
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anbaa reports that a team of Soviet military officials arrived in Damascus recently to begin training Syrians to fly MIG-25 jet fighters and other military equipment. The agency also reports that the Soviets recently delivered modern FROG missiles to Syria. A network of these missiles, aircraft and tanks is now installed around Damascus and along the Syrian border with Israel.
—"Soviet experts in Syria," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 March 1980.
26 March 1980
The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan reports that the number of Soviet experts in Syria has increased to more than 12,000. Sources say the Soviets will stand by the Assad regime amid reports that reactionary right-wing forces may try to overthrow the government. The newspaper also says that Syria is rife with heavy Soviet weapons, including in particular networks of anti-aircraft missiles.
—"In Brief: General; Increased number of Soviet personnel in Syria," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 March 1980.
16 April 1980
Syria, Algeria, South Yemen, Libya and the PLO announce their formation of a joint military force to be headquartered in Syria.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 16 April 1980.
11 June 1980
A Kuwaiti newspaper reports that the Soviet Union plans to provide Syria with heavy modern weaponry worth $3 billion at no charge and forgive Syria of 80% of its current debts.
—Information Bank Abstracts, New York Times, 11 June 1980.
24 August 1980
Syrian army artillery and missile wings conduct tactical exercises in conjunction with the air force.
—"In Brief: General; Syrian military exercise," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 28 August 1980.
27 August 1980
Syria conducts air force exercises during which it displays for the first time one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles in the Soviet arsenal. Syrian officials say that Syria is the first nation outside the Soviet Union to possess this new sophisticated missile.
—"Six New Israeli Settlements, Saudi Arabian Military Equipment," Associated Press, 27 August 1980.
10 September 1980
Syria and Libya announce the "economic, political and military" merger or their two countries in a joint communiqué. Syrian President Assad and Libyan leader Moammar Qadhdhafi promise to meet in a month to create a common government. Israeli Prime Minister expresses concern that these plans may lead to some Libyan weapons being relocated to Syria. Arab press reports, meanwhile, speculate that this new union will lead President Assad to travel soon to the Kremlin in order to request more arms, including MIG-25 jets and advanced SAMs.
—Louis Fares, "Libya and Syria Join to Fight Israel," Associated Press, 10 September 1980.
16 September 1980
Libyan MIG-23 fighters attack an American Boeing 707 airplane loaded with electronic reconnaissance gear flying in international air space 200 miles off the Libyan coast over the Mediterranean Sea. The American plane's pilots do not see the Libyan jet fighters, but they report hearing the pilots receiving instructions in Syrian to fire air-to-air missiles.
—William Safire, "Looking For Trouble," New York Times, 25 September 1980.
21 September 1980
An American C135 eavesdropping aircraft with one F-14 fighter jet as an escort is confronted by four Libyan Mirage fighter jets off the coast of Libya. Two other nearby US F-14s scramble to protect the C135, which escapes the face-off. Intercepts from the engagement reveal that the Libyan jets are receiving instructions in Syrian from ground commanders, which confirms that the Libyan jets are piloted by Syrians.
—George C. Wilson, "U.S. Fighters Chase Libyan Warplanes in Patrol Confrontation," Washington Post, 26 September 1980.
5 October 1980
Syrian naval forces, joined by air force and air-defense forces, participate in tactical exercises in Latakia. The naval units rehearse missile attacks using both their main and secondary live weapons. The air-defense forces fire missiles against air and naval targets.
—"In Brief: General; Syrian joint exercises," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 October 1980.
8 October 1980
The Soviet Union and Syria are expected to sign a friendship treaty in Moscow. Syria's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam said yesterday that the treaty is stronger than Moscow's standard friendship and cooperation agreement.
—Bernard D. Nossiter, "Syria and Soviet Set to Sign Pact Today," New York Times, 8 October 1980.
9 October 1980
Syrian armed forces carry out a tactical exercise with one of its missile launching units.
—"In Brief; Missile unit's exercise," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 9 October 1980.
10 October 1980
Syria and the Soviet Union sign a friendship treaty.
—Drew Middleton, "Influx of Arms Caused by War Worries Israel," New York Times, 2 November 1980.
10 October 1980
Amid escalating tensions and attacks between Iraq and Iran, Pro-Iraqi sources in Beirut and Israeli radio monitors indicate that Libya and Syria are airlifting arms and ammunition, including SAM-7 heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles, to Iran using flight paths which run across Soviet territory. Sources also allege that a Marxist Palestinian guerrilla group is sending volunteers through the Soviet Union to Iran in order to operate Soviet-made SAM missiles being supplied by Libya and Syria.
—Nicolas B. Tatro, "Iranian Jets Hit Iraqi Cities, Libya Supports Iran," Associated Press, 10 October 1980; Fraouk Nassar, "Libya First Arab State to Offer Public Support for Iran," Associated Press, 10 October 1980.
11 October 1980
Iraq breaks off diplomatic relations with the "treasonous" Libya and Syria, while claiming to possess clear evidence that both Syria and Libya have established an airlift route between Tehran, Damascus and Tripoli.
—Steve K. Hindy, "Iraqis Warns to Evacuate Dezful, Ahwaz," Associated Press, 11 October 1980.
13 October 1980
Iraqi newspaper Ath-Thawrah reports firm proof that Syrian jets are transporting Soviet-made weaponry to Iran, including Strela missiles.
—"Ath-Thawrah on Syrian Arms Shipments to Iran," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 October 1980.
17 October 1980
Baghdad radio says that Syria has sent more than 2,000 Syrian soldiers to fight for Iran against Iraq. Many of the soldiers reportedly have been sent as volunteer experts to oversee anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile bases.
—"Iraqi Commentary on Syrian Aid to Iran," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 October 1980.
22 October 1980
Middle East defense analysts predict that Syria will soon make major arms purchases form France as well as the Soviet Union. In addition, reports among Arab governments anticipate that at least one-third of Libya's $1.6-billion support for new arms purchases may be used to procure Crotale anti-aircraft missiles and other French military equipment.
—John K. Colley, "France busy selling more arms to Arabs in Mideast," Christian Science Monitor, 22 October 1980.
Late October 1980
Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas and a military delegation are in Moscow to negotiate a new arms package.
—"The changing shape of arms and oil deals," Business Week, 27 October 1980.
2 November 1980
Israeli analysts believe that Syria's army and air force will soon receive arms at least as good as that currently possessed by Israel. It is also expected that Syria will take delivery of the most advanced conventional weapons in the Soviet arsenal, including Scud-Cs with a 450-mile range, and that more Soviet experts and instructors will arrive in the country.
—Drew Middleton, "Influx of Arms Caused by War Worries Israel," New York Times, 2 November 1980.
10 December 1980
The official Baath Party newspaper in Syria, At-Tahir, discloses that Iranian officers are in Syria to train mercenaries and to oversee arms shipments to Iran. It also reports that two passenger airplanes make daily trips to Iran to deliver large amounts of arms and equipment, including SAM-6 and SAM-7 missiles.
—"Syrian Aid to Iran: Qadhafi and Asad," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 December 1980.
10 December 1980
The official Baath Party newspaper in Syria, At-Tahir, reports that Libyan leader Qadhdhafi has refused to pay large sums of money he committed to Syria during a past meeting with Syria's President Assad in Tripoli. Qadhdhafi reportedly says that while he is willing to purchase new weapons for Syria, he will not, as previously agreed, pay off bills for weapons purchased in the past.
—"Syrian Aid to Iran: Qadhafi and Asad," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 December 1980.
20 April 1981
Sources in Lebanon report that Syrian peacekeeping troops fired Soviet-made missiles and rockets at Phalangist-controlled areas of Beirut, north of the capital in the port of Jounieh, and in the mountains northeast of Beirut in the Keserwan region. The Syrian attacks are reportedly in response to the deaths of three Syrian soldiers.
—William Claiborne, "Israel Bombs Lebanon After Strike on Gaililee," Washington Post, 20 April 1981.
29 April 1981
Witnesses report the introduction of SA-2 and SA-6 missiles in the region after being driven in from Syria overnight, as well as the appearance of two Israeli jets overhead at day break, ostensibly to photograph the new missile sites. The SA-6 missiles are in some cases still seated on tracked vehicles as they are being moved into highly visible, freshly created earthworks along with radar trucks, according to reporters on the scene. Saudi Arabian officials claim that Soviet experts are working with the Syrians in Lebanon. The deployment of these missiles seems in response to Israel's shooting down of two Syrian helicopters in eastern Lebanon yesterday. Analysts believe that Syria's introduction of the missiles into Lebanon ends the reported implicit arrangement that allowed Syrian troops to penetrate into Lebanon in return for, among other things, keeping out ground-to-air missiles.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Syria Installs New Missiles in Lebanon; SA2, SA6 Batteries Escalate Conflict With Israeli Forces," Washington Post, 30 April 1981; Jonathan C. Randal, "Open Deployment of Missiles By Syria Seen as a Message to Israel," Washington Post, 1 May 1981; "Soviet missiles in Lebanon?" Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 1981.
30 April 1981
US officials express concern after intelligence reports indicate that Syria has moved Soviet-made surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) into eastern Lebanon. Many in the United States expect that Israel will attack these SAM missile sites, which will likely lead to an escalation of tensions between the two countries. Many top-level US administration officials reportedly say that they believe Israel must be discouraged from acting to destroy the Syrian missiles, so as to contain the conflict. Israel, meanwhile, issues a warning to Syria, but Prime Minister Menachem Begin says he does not expect the confrontation will lead to a war between Israel and Syria.
—Dan Oberdorfer, "U.S. Presses Soviets to Defuse Lebanon Crisis," Washington Post, 30 April 1981; Lou Cannon, "U.S. Bids to Curb Israeli Escalation Of Lebanon Strife; U.S. Makes Effort to Restrain Israel in Lebanon Fighting," Washington Post, 1 May 1981; William Claiborne, "Israel Expresses Caution on SAMs But See No War," Washington Post, 1 May 1981.
1 May 1981
Soviet Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Dobrynin denies reports that Soviet officers have entered Lebanon with Syrian missile units.
—Bernard Gwertzman, "Haig to Discuss Missile Worries at Rome Parley," New York Times, 2 May 1980.
4 May 1981
US President Ronald Reagan asks Israeli Prime Minister Begin for more time to work out a diplomatic solution to the Syrian missile crisis in Lebanon before Israel moves forward with possible military action. In a letter to the Israeli leader, President Reagan also expresses his understanding of Israel's position that the SAM-6 missiles be removed. In addition, Reagan administration officials express frustration with Syria's unwillingness to withdraw the missiles. US officials believe that Israel will attack the missile sites soon if no diplomatic headway is made soon. [NOTE: Prime Minister Begin reportedly delivered an "ultimatum" to American and Soviet representatives at an earlier date which specified that Israel would strike at the missile sites militarily if they were not removed by a certain date. That date is allegedly today.] Meanwhile, members of Israel's parliament say that Israel will destroy the Syrian SAM batteries militarily if a diplomatic solution is not reached through a third party.
—William Claiborne, "Reagan Message Asks Begin for Calm on Lebanon," Washington Post, 5 May 1981; Bernard Gwertzman, "U.S. Officials Fear Israel-Syria Clash," New York Times, 5 May 1981; John Kifner, "Syria is Resisting Pressure to Remove Missiles in Lebanon," New York Times, 5 May 1981; Bernard Gwetzman, "Begin is Said to Tell Reagan that Israel Face Peril as in 1967," New York Times, 9 May 1991.
5 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin indicates in a reply letter to President Reagan that Israel will hold off on responding militarily to the establishment of Syrian missiles in eastern Lebanon so as to allow a special US envoy, Philip Habib, to make a final trip to the Middle East in the hopes of resolving the crisis. Mr. Habib, a former undersecretary of state, is expected to arrive in the region later in the week. In his letter, Prime Minister Begin also compares the situation at hand with the difficulties Israel faced trying to head off a military engagement prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Indicates Israel Will Delay Moves Against Missiles Until U.S. Talks End," Washington Post, 6 May 1981; Don Oberdorfer, "U.S. Envoy Ordered to Middle East," Washington Post, 6 May 1981; Bernard Gwetzman, "Begin is Said to Tell Reagan that Israel Face Peril as in 1967," New York Times, 9 May 1991.
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6 May 1981
Syria rejects Israel's requirement that it remove its anti-aircraft missiles from Lebanon, saying the demand is "ridiculous."
—"News Summary," New York Times, 6 May 1981.
6 May 1981
Soviet First Deputy Foreign Minister Georgi Korniyenko arrives in Damascus for three-days of talks with Syrian government officials including President Assad.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "U.S. Seen Weighing New Contacts in Lebanon," Washington Post, 7 May 1981.
6 May 1981
Syrian state-run radio and television reports that Syrian military units are conducting "large-scale maneuvers" at undisclosed sites. [NOTE: Unconfirmed reports from the Associated Press and broadcast in Israel indicate that as part of these maneuvers, Syrian troops have moved across the boundary established to keep them from deploying in southern Lebanon.] US diplomats suggest that the Syrians are signaling their military readiness to Israel in the event that the current missile crisis leads to an armed attack by the Israelis.
—Pranay B. Gupte, "High Soviet Aide Arrives in Syria as Lebanon Crisis Grows," New York Times, 7 May 1981; Jonathan C. Randal, "U.S. Envoy Arrives in Beirut for Talks on Fighting, Missiles," Washington Post, 8 May 1981.
7 May 1981
American envoy Philip Habib arrives in the Middle East.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "U.S. Envoy Arrives in Beirut for Talks on Fighting, Missiles," Washington Post, 8 May 1981.
7 May 1981
Syria reportedly brings in more tanks and troops to its missile positions in the Biqa'a Valley. Syrian troops also are reported to be digging in around their SAM-6 batteries in the region.
—Jonathan Kifner, "Special U.S. Envoy Reaches Beirut for Talks in the Israeli-Syrian Crisis," New York Times, 8 May 1981.
8 May 1981
Syria formally rejects Israel's demand for the removal of its anti-aircraft missiles from Lebanon, as US special envoy Philip Habib begins discussions aimed at settling the missile crisis. However, Syria's Defense Ministry issues a statement that suggests the missiles in Lebanon may not be required if Israel agrees to stop its attacks on targets in that region. This is the first signal from Damascus that a negotiated settlement may be possible, and it comes on the same day that the Soviet First Deputy Foreign Minister Korniyenko ends his three day visit to Syria. Korniyenko reportedly offered the promise of new military equipment to Syria during his visit. He also encouraged the Syrians to prevent an escalation of the situation with Israel, although while offering the Soviet Union's total support for the deployment of the anti-aircraft missiles in Lebanon.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Syria Seen Easing SAM Stand as Habib Mission Opens," Washington Post, 9 May 1981; Pranay B. Gupte, "Soviet Aid is Pledged," New York Times, 9 May 1981; John Kifner, "Syria Tells Israel It Won't Withdraw Missiles in Lebanon," New York Times, 9 May 1981.
10 May 1981
US envoy Philip Habib meets with Syrian President Assad. Meanwhile, Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas tells a special Cabinet meeting that Syria has taken measures to "reinforce confrontation with the enemy."
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Syria, Israel Take Firm Stands," Washington Post, 11 May 1981.
10 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin says that he will order air strikes on Syria's anti-aircraft missile batteries in Lebanon if the United States fails to convince Syria to remove them. Also, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Begin denies a previous report that Begin drew a parallel between the current situation in Lebanon and the events leading up to the Six Day War in 1967.
—"Begin Says Syrian Missiles Will Be Attacked If They Are Not Withdrawn," New York Times, 10 May 1981.
11 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin says that he had directed the Israeli Air Force to attack Syria's anti-aircraft missile sites in Lebanon the day after they were introduced in the region, but poor weather prevented the attack that day. After receiving an insistent communication the next day from Washington that requested time to resolve the situation through diplomatic channels, Begin says he agreed to postpone the air attacks, first for three days then indefinitely.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Says Israel Prepared Attack On Syrian SAMs," Washington Post, 12 May 1981.
11 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister tells Parliament that the number of Syrian missile batteries in Lebanon has increased. He says that Syria has these deployed five SAM batteries in Lebanon and nine in Syria against its border with Lebanon.
—David K. Shipler, "Begin Says Syrians Have Increased Missiles in Lebanon and On Border," New York Times, 12 May 1981; William Claiborne, "Israelis Say Syria Fired SAMs at Jets," Washington Post, 13 May 1981.
12 May 1981
In two separate incidents, Syria fires SAMs at Israeli reconnaissance jets over Lebanon. Israel claims none of its planes are hit, while reports from Damascus allege that Syrian forces have shot down an Israeli plane. The missiles are fired from within Syria, according to Israeli military sources. The first of the two incidents occurs at dawn and includes two missiles being fired. The second incident occurs at noon, but it is unclear how many missiles are fired. These are the first reported use of missiles by Syria since the current Middle East crisis began.
— William Claiborne, "Israelis Say Syria Fired SAMs at Jets," Washington Post, 13 May 1981; David K. Shipler, "Israel Syrians Fired Their Missiles But Missed Aircraft," New York Times, 13 May 1981.
12 May 1981
US envoy Philip Habib arrives in Israel after conferring with leaders in both Lebanon and Syria. He is expected to return to Damascus tomorrow. Israeli officials reportedly tell Habib that Israel will offer no concessions in the attempt to remove the Syrian missiles from Lebanon. US Secretary of State Alexander Haig says that while it remains too early to predict the outcome of the missile crisis, he remains optimistic that a clash can be averted.
—Bernard Gwertzman, "Haig Hopeful on Averting Mideast War," New York Times, 13 May 1981.
13 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin denies reports that the United States put forward a compromise to the current crisis which includes Israel limiting its air travel over Lebanon.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Denies U.S. Proposed A Compromise," Washington Post, 14 May 1981.
14 May 1981
Reports indicate that the Soviet Union has not pushed Syria to remove its SAMs from Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley but has encouraged Syria not to allow the crisis to explode into a full-scale war.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Syria's Shifting Of Missiles Fits Aims of Soviets," Washington Post, 15 May 1981.
14 May 1981
Syria fires SAM-6s in two separate incidents over Lebanon today, knocking down one pilotless Israeli drone but missing higher-flying Israeli jets.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Lebanese Witnesses Tell of SAM Firing," Washington Post, 15 May 1981.
15 May 1981
Soviet and American naval units are reportedly patrolling in the eastern Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon.
—William Claiborne, "Mideast Crisis Draws Superpower Ships," Washington Post, 16 May 1981.
15 May 1981
After meeting with US envoy Philip Habib, Israeli Prime Minister Begin says that Israel is willing to continue exploring diplomatic alternatives for ending the crisis with Syria over its SAM-6 missiles in Lebanon.
—David K. Shipler, "Begin Vows That Israel Will Seek Diplomatic Solution on Syrian Missiles," New York Times, 16 May 1981.
15 May 1981
The United States announces that special envoy Philip Habib will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow in order to elicit its assistance in preventing rising tensions over Syria's missile emplacements in Lebanon. [NOTE: The Saudis have provided Syria with large scale financial backing in the past.] Senior US officials, meanwhile, say that a military conflict over the missiles could break out as soon as next week. As a result, the State Department orders a heightened pace of evacuation from Lebanon of US embassy dependents there and issues an advisory for Americans working in nonofficial capacities to leave.
—Bernard Gwertzman, "Special U.S. Envoy Will Ask Saudi Aid in Crisis on Missiles," New York Times, 16 May 1981.
16 May 1981
A senior Soviet official blames Israel for the current crisis over Syria's missiles in Lebanon. He also says that this dangerous situation requires patience to achieve a negotiated settlement.
—Anthony Austin, "Russian Says Mideast Crisis Must Be Settled Peacefully," New York Times, 17 May 1981
17 May 1981
US Secretary of State Alexander Haig and Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin meet and discuss, among other issues, the crisis over Syria's missiles in Lebanon. No details are made available about their conversation.
—"Haig and Russian Confer on Arms," New York Times, 17 May 1981.
17 May 1981
Saudi Arabia publicly announces its support for Syria amid the current Middle East crisis, but the Saudis also send a high level envoy to Damascus for discussions.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Saudis Send Envoy to Syrian," Washington Post, 18 May 1981.
17 May 1981
The Communist Party newspaper Pravda says that Israel and the United States have orchestrated the current missile crisis as part of a scheme to establish control over all of Lebanon.
—Anthony Austin, "Soviet Says U.S. and Israeli Attempt to Blackmail Syria," New York Times, 18 May 1981.
18 May 1981
As US envoy Philip Habib arrives in Damascus, Syria's ruling party newspaper Al Baath runs a front-page editorial charging that Habib has offered nothing during his previous two visits.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Syrian Tone Hardens as Habib Returns," Washington Post, 19 May 1981.
18 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin mocks the idea that Saudi Arabia could help relieve the crisis over Syria's missiles in Lebanon.
—David K. Shipler, "Begin Ridicules Idea of Saudi Help in Crisis," New York Times, 19 May 1981.
19 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin meets with US envoy Philip Habib and says after that he will organize the "proper authority" to make appropriate decisions based on what the two discussed. An Israeli government source says that the Israeli Cabinet will meet tomorrow to consider a US-proposed agreement to end the crisis and that afterwards Begin and Habib will meet again.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Sets Key Meeting of Cabinet," Washington Post, 20 May 1981.
19 May 1991
Syria claims to have shot down an unarmed Israeli reconnaissance plane over the Syrian port town of Latakia. Israel denies the report.
—Pranay B. Gupte, "Habib Meets Assad, Confers with Begin on Missile Solution," New York Times, 20 May 1981.
20 May 1981
In an interview, Syrian President Assad says that the SAMs were placed in Lebanon simply because they are necessary to protect Syrian soldiers from Israeli jets' daily over-flights. He also says that there is not yet any agreement to end the crisis, nor has he been presented with any detailed propositions by US envoy Philip Habib.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Assad Denies Accord, Says Habib Offers No Precise Proposal," Washington Post, 21 May 1981.
20 May 1981
Israeli Cabinet ministers meet to discuss US envoy Philip Habib's report. In a meeting thereafter in the Israeli parliament, Prime Minister Begin reportedly says that the Syrians offered significant concessions to Habib and he believes a peaceful resolution to the crisis can be reached.
—William Claiborne, "Assad, Begin, Cloud An Optimistic View of Habib's Mission," Washington Post, 21 May 1981.
21 May 1981
Reports indicate that the key unresolved issue in constructing a diplomatic solution to the missile crisis is getting Israel to cut back flights over Lebanon in return for a substitute US-provided method for gathering intelligence.
—John M. Goshko, "Assad, Begin Cloud an Optimistic View of Habib's Mission," Washington Post, 21 May 1981.
21 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin publicly introduces new stipulations to efforts to settle the missile crisis, now demanding that Syria not only extract its SAMs from Lebanon but also those located within Syria along the Lebanese border. In addition, Begin insists that Syria offer its assurance not to fire missiles against Israeli aircraft.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Raises Terms for Ending Missile Crisis," Washington Post, 22 May 1981.
22 May 1981
Syrian-based SAMs down an Israeli pilotless reconnaissance drone over Lebanon. The ruling Baath Party newspaper, meanwhile, says that Israeli Prime Minister Begin's new demands are "no less than a proclamation of war."
—William Claiborne, "Syrian Missiles Down Another Unmanned Israeli Plane Over Lebanon," Washington Post, 22 May 1981.
24 May 1981
Soviet military advisers are accompanying Syrian military units into Lebanon, according to Israeli Prime Minister Begin.
—David K. Shipler, "Israel Premier Says Soviet Advisers Join Syrians in Lebanon," New York Times, 25 May 1981.
25 May 1981
Another Israeli pilotless drone is shot down by Syrian missiles.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Syrian Missiles Down Israeli Drone As Habib Awaits Saudi Decisions," Washington Post, 26 May 1981.
25 May 1981
The Soviet Union denies that any Soviet advisers are accompanying Syrian military units into Lebanon.
—Serge Schmemann, "No Advisers in Lebanon, Moscow Says," New York Times, 26 May 1981.
27 May 1981
After conducting three weeks of shuttle diplomacy, US special envoy Philip Habib is summoned back to Washington to meet with President Ronald Reagan. Habib is expected to continue his work after a short time off.
—William Claiborne, "Envoy Habib Returning to See Reagan," Washington Post, 28 May 1981.
28 May 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat announce plans to meet in the Red Sea port of Ophira next week in order to discuss the Syrian missile crisis as well as other regional issues.
—William Claiborne, "Begin, Sadat to Meet Next Week," Washington Post, 28 May 1981.
1 June 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin says that there is a limit to how long Israel will wait for a US-led diplomatic solution to the crisis over Syrian missiles in Lebanon, especially as Syria continues to increase its military presence there.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Says Israel Sees Time Limit For Habib Effort," Washington Post, 2 June 1981.
1 June 1981
US officials say that Syria has refused to agree to any plan that appears to have been born from Israel or the United States, thereby leaving only Saudi Arabia in a position to try to drive a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
—Bernard Gwertzman, "U.S. Mediation Role Rejected By Syrians," New York Times, 2 June 1981.
5 June 1981
US envoy Philip Habib leaves Washington for the Middle East in order to restart his efforts to resolve the Syrian missile crisis.
—"38 Islamic Countries Call for Cease-Fire in Lebanon," New York Times, 6 June 1981.
8 June 1981
Middle East intelligence officials believe that Israel is reluctant to conduct an air strike against Syrian missile sites in Lebanon because such attacks would require roughly 50 airplanes, with the expected loss of up to 20 of them in combat. Such losses, without US guarantees to replace them, are too high a price, according to these sources.
—"Washington Whispers," U.S. News & World Report, 8 June 1981.
13 June 1981
An Israeli unpiloted drone is shot down by Syrian aircraft northeast of Damascus.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Habib Flies to Saudi Arabia; Syrians Down Another Israeli Drone," Washington Post, 14 June 1981.
13 June 1981
US envoy Philip Habib travels to Saudi Arabia in hopes of reinvigorating the sagging diplomatic efforts to end the current crisis.
—Jonathan C. Randal, "Habib Flies to Saudi Arabia; Syrians Down Another Israeli Drone," Washington Post, 14 June 1981.
16 June 1981
Still recovering from gunshot wounds suffered during a failed assassination attempt, US President Reagan erroneously says that Syria's defensive anti-aircraft missiles are offensive weapons; "there's no question about the direction in which they're aimed."
—"The Professional," New York Times, 17 June 1981.
16 June 1981
The Syrian government newspaper says that US envoy Philip Habib's efforts to defuse the missile crisis are no longer useful.
—John Kifner, "Saudis Call Habib 'Futile', But He Presses On," New York Times, 17 June 1981.
18 June 1981
White House spokesman Larry Speakes says that President Reagan simply misspoke and was in fact aware during a recent interview that the anti-aircraft missiles in Lebanon are defensive weapons, not offensive weapons.
—Lou Cannon, "White House Reorganizes Its Communications Staff," Washington Post, 18 June 1981.
18 June 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin promises special American envoy Philip Habib more time to seek a diplomatic resolution to the Syrian missile stalemate, but he also reiterates Israel's warning that it will use military means to remove the missiles if diplomacy fails.
—"Begin Extends Time on Missiles," New York Times, 19 June 1981.
25 June 1981
US envoy Philip Habib leaves the Middle East for consultations in Washington. He says that the risk for immediate armed conflict between Israel and Syria seems to have diminished.
—"Habib Returning to U.S. To Consult on Mideast," New York Times, 26 June 1981.
30 June 1981
Lebanese security forces take over the town of Zahle, ending the Syrian siege over Christian militiamen there which was a key event in the original spiral downward into the current missile crisis. [NOTE: Israeli jets shot down two Syrian helicopters in late April which the Israelis said were re-equipping forces atop a mountain close to Zahle. The Syrians installed SA-6 and SA-9 missiles the following day.] The militiamen leave the town. Their departure is reportedly a result of a special Arab League meeting last week that sought tactics to calm the Syrian-Israeli standoff.
—Stuart Auerbach, "Pullout Ends Siege Of Lebanese Town," Washington Post, 1 July 1981.
6 July 1981
US envoy Philip Habib meets with President Reagan in Washington.
—Bernard Gwertzman, "Reagan and Habib Confer on Mideast Mission," New York Times, 7 July 1981.
7 July 1981
Syrian military forces shoot down a pilotless Israeli reconnaissance plane over Lebanon. An Israeli military spokesman denies the Syrian claim, alleging instead that the plane crashed as a result of a technical problem during a routine flight.
—"Syria says it shot down another Israeli spy plane," Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 1981.
6-12 July 1981
Joint Soviet and Syrian naval maneuvers in the waters off the coast of Syria occur. These are the first such larger-scale maneuvers between the two countries since they signed an official friendship pact last year.
—Soviets, Syrians in naval 'games'," Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 1981.
10-16 July 1981
US envoy Philip Habib returns to the Middle East for his third round of shuttle diplomacy aimed at solving the Syrian missile crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli jets conduct four days of attacks on Palestinian guerrilla strongholds in Lebanon.
—William E. Farrell, "Israeli Jets Destroy 5 Bridges in Lebanon," New York Times, 17 July 1981.
14 July 1981
Israeli jets engaged in a raid of Palestinian guerrilla strongholds shoot down a Syrian jet over Lebanon.
—David B. Ottaway, "Israelis, in Lebanon Raid, Down Syrian Mig," Washington Post, 15 July 1981.
17 July 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin announces that Israel will continue to bomb sites in Lebanon related to Palestinian guerrilla organizations.
—William Claiborne, "Begin Widens Targeting To PLO Sites in Cities," Washington Post, 18 July 1981.
20 July 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin meets with US envoy Philip Habib in Israel. Begin tells Habib that Israel will not consent to a ceasefire in Lebanon unless Palestinian guerrilla groups in the area are restrained from conducting attacks across the border.
—David K. Shipler, "Begin Tells Habib He Cannot Accept a Cease-fire Now," New York Times, 20 July 1981.
23 July 1981
US Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger says in a television interview that Israeli Prime Minister Begin has twice undercut US attempts to bring about the peaceful elimination of Syria's anti-aircraft missiles from Lebanon. Weinberger also complains that Begin demonstrates a lack of respect for US concerns in the Middle East and an absence of restraint in dealing with Palestinians in Lebanon. White House Deputy Press Secretary Larry Speakes later says Weinberger's views do indeed represent the Administration's position on Israel's military actions.
—Michael Getler, "Administration Attacks Israeli Military Action," Washington Post, 23 July 1981.
23 July 1981
Israeli Prime Minister Begin expresses astonishment at Defense Secretary Weinberger's comments from yesterday, while Israel again launches attacks on Palestinian positions in Lebanon.
—William Claiborne, "Weinberger's Critical Remark Called 'Astonishing' by Begin," Washington Post, 24 July 1981.
24 July 1981
US envoy Philip Habib announces in Jerusalem that "all hostile military action between Lebanese and Israeli territory, in either direction, will cease." This ceasefire reportedly defuses the problem of Syria's SAMs in Lebanon, at least temporarily, as Israel is seen to agree not to attack the missile sites unless Syria rekindles larger-scale attacks on Lebanese troops that Israel backs.
—Charles Mohr, "U.S. Is 'Optimistic' on Mideast Truce," New York Times, 28 July 1981.
26 July 1981
US envoy Philip Habib returns to Washington amid a Middl | 
