Turkey to Equip and Arm Syrian Military Forces

In a significant development, Turkey has pledged military aid to Syria's interim government, following a defense agreement signed on August 13, 2025. The agreement, in response to Syria's request for support, aims to modernize and strengthen the Syrian armed forces.

The comprehensive aid package includes joint military training and planning, exchange of military intelligence and expertise, provision of military equipment, and technical assistance via deployment of Turkish experts. The equipment provided may include weapons systems, logistical materials, and possibly light armored vehicles.

Turkey has already started supplying equipment such as Turkish-made Ejder armored personnel carriers to the Syrian army, reflecting the implementation of the agreement. The support is intended to reform Syria's military institutions and security apparatus comprehensively, with the primary goal of confronting terrorist groups and stabilizing conflict zones.

Furthermore, Turkey plans to establish a military presence within Syria, with discussions underway to deploy troops and build bases, including an air defense base at the Tiyas (T4) airbase near Palmyra, equipped with "Hisar" air defense systems. This move is intended to counter ISIS insurgents and deter Israeli air raids.

However, the agreement has faced criticism from Syria's government, who claim that some attendees at a recent conference in al-Hasakah harbored separatist ambitions. As a result, Syria's government announced it would no longer participate in planned talks with the SDF in Paris.

Recently, hundreds have died in clashes in the southern province of Daraa between government forces and local Bedouin tribes on one side and Druze minority fighters on the other. The violence has led to Israeli intervention, prompting Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to warn Israel and Kurdish fighters to stop actions threatening Syria's stability.

The support from Turkey is intended to help Syria's interim government restore order after nearly 14 years of civil war, following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces. The agreement includes sharing of knowledge and experience, as well as the provision of military equipment, weapon systems, and other materials. A date for the planned talks between Turkey and Syria has yet to be set.

[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-syria-agree-defense-cooperation-2021-08-14/ [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/14/turkey-to-provide-military-aid-to-syria-s-interim-government [3] https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-plans-military-base-syria-counter-isis-insurgents [4] https://www.defensenews.com/global/middle-east/2025/08/14/turkey-begins-delivering-military-aid-to-syria-under-new-defense-agreement/ [5] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-establish-military-presence-in-syria-to-counter-isis-insurgents-158491

Note: This article is generated by a model and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Always verify information from multiple sources before making decisions.

The defense agreement between Turkey and Syria's interim government, signed on August 13, 2025, encompasses substantial military aid, including joint training and planning, exchange of intelligence, provision of military equipment, and technical assistance.
Besides military aid, the agreement between Turkey and Syria's interim government also involves political and general news aspects, such as discussions to deploy troops and build bases, and plans to counter terrorist groups and stabilize conflict zones.