The Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot: Israel’s Decisive 1982 Air Battle Against Syria

The Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot refers to a decisive air battle between Israel and Syria in June 1982 during the 1982 Lebanon War. Occurring in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, it saw the Israeli Air Force achieve one of the most lopsided air combat victories in history, destroying Syria’s Soviet-built surface-to-air missile (SAM) network and shooting down over 80 Syrian aircraft. The overwhelming Israeli victory earned it the nickname “Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot.”

Background to the Conflict

Tensions between Israel and Syria escalated in the early 1980s over Lebanon. Syria deployed SAM batteries in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, posing a threat to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). On June 6, 1982, Israel launched a full-scale invasion of Lebanon to drive out PLO forces. Three days into the war, with fighting ongoing between the IDF and Syrian Army, Israel decided to neutralize the Syrian SAM threat by launching Operation Mole Cricket 19.

The Israeli Game Plan

On June 9, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) began their assault on the Syrian SAM batteries in the Bekaa Valley. The IAF attack force consisted of 96 F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, with Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft providing surveillance. To bait the Syrian SA-6 Gainful SAM sites into activating their radar and revealing their locations, the IAF utilized remotely piloted Mastiff and Scout drones.

Once the Syrian SAM crews fired on the drones, anti-radiation missiles fired by IAF F-4 Phantom jets took out the missile batteries The destruction of Syrian SAM sites was rapid, with 17 batteries destroyed in the first two hours without any Israeli losses This opened the door for the main air battle to begin.

The Dogfight Commences

With their SAM coverage neutralized, over 100 Syrian MiG-21, MiG-23, and Su-20 jets scrambled to intercept the Israeli attack force. However, lacking coordination and ground control from destroyed SAM sites, the Syrian jets were flying blind. Israeli pilots picked them off with sidewinder heat-seeking and sparrow radar-guided air-to-air missiles.

In the lopsided dogfight that ensued, Israel downed 82 Syrian jets, including 29 on the first day. The F-15’s superior sensors and weapons systems gave it an edge over Syrian MiGs. Two Israeli jets incurred minor damage, while Syria lost almost its entire air force. It was a near-flawless tactical execution by the IAF.

Decisive Israeli Victory

In achieving complete air supremacy, Israel crushed Syria’s air force in the Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot. Syria lost 86 aircraft and 19 SAM batteries in two days of fighting. Israel only lost a single unmanned drone. The scale of defeat shocked Syria and the Arab world. It was the IAF’s largest air battle since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot demonstrated the capability gap between Israeli and Syrian air power Key factors in Israel’s victory included pilot quality, real-time command and control, and technological superiority with advanced sensors, weapons and avionics on F-15s and F-16s. Syria’s dated MiGs, lack of BVR missiles, and rigid dependence on ground control were severe deficiencies

Impact on the Middle East Balance of Power

The Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot had far-reaching implications for power dynamics in the Middle East. Israel established undisputed air supremacy over Syria, removing Syria’s ability to threaten Israeli airspace. Syria’s loss of prestige harmed its regional standing. The battle was a watershed moment, heralding Israel’s rise as the dominant conventional military power in the Middle East.

The overwhelming Israeli victory alarmed other Arab states about growing IDF capabilities. It contributed to Jordan and Egypt ultimately opting for peace treaties with Israel. It also strengthened Israel’s deterrence, reducing the likelihood of future conventional wars against Israel.

The Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot stands as one of the most decisive air combat victories of the jet age. Israel’s mastery of modern air combat would be reaffirmed in successive clashes with Syrian aircraft.