Turkey and Syria sign pact for military collaboration
Turkey and Syria Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement
In a significant development, Turkey and Syria have signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at bolstering Syria's defense capabilities, supporting the restructuring and modernization of the Syrian army, and enhancing regional security. The agreement reflects Turkey’s commitment to strengthen Syria’s military institutions and promote stability in the region following the overthrow of the Assad regime in 2024.
The agreement was signed by the Syrian Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, and his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler, during an official visit by the Syrian Defense Minister to Turkey. The meeting took place at the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, with discussions focusing on bilateral and regional defense and security issues.
The purpose of the defense cooperation agreement is multifaceted. It includes joint military training and advisory services, exchange of military personnel and expertise, supply of military equipment, technical and organizational assistance, and development of air defense capabilities.
Joint Military Training and Advisory Services
Turkey will provide specialized training programs to improve the operational readiness and professional development of the Syrian Arab Army. The training programs cover fields such as counterterrorism, mine clearance, cybersecurity, military engineering, logistics, and peacekeeping operations.
Exchange of Military Personnel and Expertise
There will be regular personnel exchanges and sharing of military intelligence and best practices to enhance Syria’s defense and security capabilities.
Supply of Military Equipment
Turkey will supply weapons, logistical materials, and military equipment such as light armored vehicles, communication technologies, and possibly limited air defense systems to modernize Syria’s armed forces.
Technical and Organizational Assistance
Turkish experts will support the modernization of Syrian military systems, organizational structure, and leadership capabilities, aiming for comprehensive security sector reform in Syria.
Development of Air Defense Capabilities
Turkey plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the Tiyas (T4) military airport near Palmyra with short-, medium-, and long-range capabilities. This includes deploying systems like the "Hisar" air defense to counter threats such as fighter jets, drones, and missiles. This move also serves to deter Israeli air raids and combat remaining ISIS cells in the region.
In summary, the agreement is a strategic partnership focused on strengthening the Syrian military through training, arms supply, intelligence sharing, and support in reforming defense structures. It is complemented by Turkey’s deployment of air defense assets to secure key areas in Syria and counter regional threats.
[1] Turkish Ministry of National Defense statement on the signing of the agreement (X) [2] Anadolu Agency, "Turkey, Syria to cooperate in defense sector," (Date) [3] Reuters, "Turkey, Syria sign defense cooperation deal in Ankara," (Date) [4] Al-Monitor, "Turkey and Syria to cooperate on air defense systems," (Date) [5] Middle East Eye, "Turkey and Syria to boost military ties," (Date)
- The defense cooperation agreement between Turkey and Syria, signed in Ankara, is designed to bolster Syria's air defense capabilities by establishing a multi-layered system at Tiyas (T4) military airport, comprising short-, medium-, and long-range systems such as the "Hisar" air defense.
- The agreement also includes the provision of military equipment by Turkey, with supplies including light armored vehicles, communication technologies, and limited air defense systems to modernize Syria's armed forces.
- Regular personnel exchanges and sharing of military intelligence and best practices are part of the agreement, aiming to enhance Syria’s defense and security capabilities.
- To promote stability in the region following the overthrow of the Assad regime in 2024, Turkey's commitment to the agreement involves providing specialized training programs for the Syrian Arab Army, covering fields like counterterrorism, mine clearance, cybersecurity, military engineering, logistics, and peacekeeping operations.
