Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense has announced that technical delegations will soon travel to Syria to assess the country’s defense needs, marking the start of a comprehensive plan to restructure Syria’s armed forces.
Joint MoU Between Türkiye and Syria
The initiative follows the signing of a Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ankara and Damascus on August 13. The agreement covers cooperation in training, consultancy, and technical support. Turkish officials emphasized that all steps will be taken in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Defense to ensure a tailored approach.
Building Momentum for Defense Reform
According to defense officials, the restructuring effort is already underway, guided by the principle of “one state, one army.” This reflects Ankara’s position that a unified and professional Syrian military is essential for long-term stability.
A recent milestone was the visit of Syria’s training department chief to Türkiye’s National Defense University, which was followed by new training programs initiated at Damascus’ request. Officials confirmed that additional initiatives will be launched once Turkish delegations complete on-site reviews in Syria.
Crafting a Long-Term Roadmap
Ankara’s strategy aims to design a roadmap for lasting defense reform, addressing command structures, training methods, and logistical systems. Turkish officials underlined that the goal is not just to provide short-term support but to build strong and sustainable defense institutions in Syria.
Military experts argue that the plan could play a pivotal role in repairing Syria’s fragile security architecture. By prioritizing formal training and advisory support, Türkiye seeks to help Syria transition from fragmented armed groups to a centralized and disciplined force.
Strategic Importance for Türkiye
The cooperation also carries strategic value for Türkiye. A unified Syrian army is expected to reduce security threats along the Türkiye-Syria border, weaken non-state armed groups, and bolster regional stability.
Ankara views this initiative as part of its broader role as a regional stabilizer, aiming to shape security outcomes in a conflict that has long spilled across its borders.
The Road Ahead
In the coming months, Türkiye plans to deploy additional technical teams, expand training efforts, and enhance advisory support in Syria. Officials said the process will be gradual but steady, designed to yield sustainable results.
By linking the cooperation framework to the MoU and reinforcing it with practical steps, Türkiye hopes to ensure that Syria’s military restructuring becomes both credible and lasting, laying the foundation for future stability in the region.
