On August 21, 2025, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense said that technical delegations will soon travel to Syria to review the country’s defense needs. These visits are part of a wider effort to help restructure Syria’s armed forces.
The plan follows the signing of a Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ankara and Damascus on August 13. The agreement sets out cooperation in training, consultancy, and technical support. Turkish officials stressed that this will be carried out with the Syrian Defense Ministry to ensure a tailored approach.
Building Momentum for Reform
Defense officials confirmed that the restructuring of Syria’s armed forces has already picked up pace. The effort is guided by the idea of “one state, one army,” showing Ankara’s stance that Syria needs a unified and professional military to secure stability.
One key step was the recent visit of Syria’s training department chief to Türkiye’s National Defense University. The trip was followed by new training activities at Damascus’ request. Turkish officials noted that more such programs will be created once delegations complete on-site reviews in Syria.
Crafting a Roadmap
Ankara’s strategy is to design a roadmap for long-term defense reform. The plan will address command structures, training methods, and logistical systems. Officials explained that the aim is not just to offer short-term help but to build strong and lasting defense institutions in Syria.
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Military experts say this could play an important role in repairing Syria’s fragile security system. By stressing advisory work and formal training, Türkiye wants to support Syria’s shift from fragmented armed groups toward a centralized, disciplined force.
Strategic Importance
The cooperation has major strategic value for Türkiye. A unified Syrian army could cut down security threats along the shared border, weaken non-state armed groups, and improve stability in the region.
Ankara also views this partnership as part of its wider role as a regional stabilizer. Helping professionalize Syria’s defense system allows Türkiye to shape outcomes in a conflict that has long crossed its borders.
The Road Ahead
In the coming months, Türkiye will send more technical teams to Syria, expand training efforts, and provide advisory support. Officials said the process will be gradual but steady, aiming for lasting results in Syria’s defense system.
By linking cooperation to the MoU and adding practical steps, Ankara hopes the restructuring will become sustainable, credible, and vital to Syria’s future stability.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
