Turkey and Syria Sign Agreement for Military Cooperation and Training
In a significant development, Turkey and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on military training and consultancy, marking a new chapter in their relationship. The agreement, signed on August 13, 2025, in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, follows months of negotiations between the two neighboring countries [1][2].
The MoU entails a comprehensive partnership to bolster Syria’s defense capabilities and foster regional stability. Key components include joint military training and planning, exchange of military intelligence and expertise, supply of weapon systems and logistical support, as well as technical assistance for restructuring Syria’s armed forces [1][2].
Following the signing, Turkey has begun implementing the agreement. Turkish experts are involved in training the Syrian Arab Army, focusing on enhancing operational readiness and modernizing Syria’s military systems and organizational structures [1][3]. Turkey has already provided military equipment such as the Turkish-made Ejder armored personnel carriers to Syrian forces [2].
Moreover, preparations are underway for Turkey to establish a military presence at strategic locations in Syria. Notably, Turkey aims to deploy air defense systems, including the "Hisar" air defense system, at the Tiyas (T4) military airport near Palmyra. This endeavor involves building a multi-layered air defense network around the base to provide coverage against aircraft, drones, and missiles, enhancing Turkey’s and Syria’s regional security [3].
The cooperation extends beyond pure military training and hardware support. Turkey is deepening its influence within Syria’s military and intelligence institutions, especially in the south (Quneitra and As-Suwayda governorates), where it is assisting in creating an “information branch” within Syria’s Interior Ministry. This branch is intended to improve intelligence sharing and monitoring of cross-border activities, dissident networks, and potential Israeli or US operations, indicating a strategic Turkish presence within Syria’s security apparatus [5].
Technical visits and training exchanges continue following the agreement, with reciprocal visits to Turkey’s National Defense University and ongoing follow-up initiatives requested by Syria. Turkey emphasizes the principle of “One State, One Army” and views Syria’s stability as critical to regional peace, indicating plans to expand military cooperation in the future [4].
The military cooperation between Turkey and Syria is significant in the context of the shifting geopolitical landscape in Syria post-2024 regime change and signals Turkey’s increasing role in Syria’s defense and security sectors [1][2][3][4][5].
Summary of the Memorandum and Its Implementation:
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Signed | August 13, 2025 | | Core provisions | Joint military training, intelligence sharing, military equipment supply, technical assistance | | Military hardware provided | Ejder armored personnel carriers, logistical tools, planned air defense systems (Hisar) | | Strategic installations | Planned air defense base at Tiyas (T4) airbase with multi-layered defenses | | Intelligence cooperation | Establishment of a new “information branch” in Syria’s Interior Ministry, focused on southern regions (Quneitra, As-Suwayda) | | Turkish involvement | Training of Syrian troops, technical visits, advisory support, embedding intelligence structures | | Regional security objectives | Countering ISIS, deterring Israeli air strikes, combating terrorism in southern Syria | | Future outlook | Expansion of military ties, enhanced institutional restructuring, ongoing reciprocal training visits |
[1] Al-Monitor (2025). Turkey, Syria sign military cooperation deal. Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/08/turkey-syria-military-cooperation-deal.html [2] Anadolu Agency (2025). Turkey delivers Ejder armored vehicles to Syria. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-headline/turkey-delivers-ejder-armored-vehicles-to-syria/2272405 [3] Middle East Eye (2025). Turkey to deploy air defences in Syria. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-deploy-air-defences-syria [4] TRT World (2025). Turkey-Syria military cooperation: What we know. Retrieved from https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/turkey-syria-military-cooperation-what-we-know-57339 [5] Al-Araby Al-Jadeed (2025). Turkey to establish intelligence branch in Syria's Interior Ministry. Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2025/8/16/turkey-to-establish-intelligence-branch-in-syrias-interior-ministry
- The military cooperation between Turkey and Syria has strengthened regional diplomacy, as they work together to boost Syria's defense capabilities and maintain stability in the region.
- As part of the memorandum of understanding signed in Ankara, Turkey is now providing military training to the Syrian Arab Army, focusing on operational readiness and modernizing their military systems, as well as supplying weapon systems such as the Turkish-made Ejder armored personnel carriers.
- In a move to reinforce security and counter potential threats, Turkey plans to deploy air defense systems, including the Hisar air defense system, at strategic locations like the Tiyas (T4) military airport, creating a multi-layered security network.
