Syria sends officers to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia for weapons training
Move reflects growing defence cooperation as Damascus rebuilds military capacity and deepens regional security ties
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — The Syrian Ministry of Defence has dispatched military officers to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia for advanced training on modern weapons systems, marking a significant step in Damascus’s efforts to strengthen defence cooperation with regional powers.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Defence Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra expressed gratitude to Ankara and Riyadh for “receiving a delegation of Syrian officers,” noting that the exchange of expertise and training “will enhance regional stability and advance cooperative relations.”
According to sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the training program covers modern combat technologies and advanced weapons operations — part of Syria’s broader initiative to modernize its armed forces and replace outdated equipment after years of conflict and isolation.
Before their departure, Abu Qasra met with the officers and urged them to “uphold national responsibility” while representing Syria abroad. He also emphasized the need for “scientific and professional excellence” in their studies.
The initiative follows a series of high-level defence meetings between Damascus and Ankara. Last week, Abu Qasra hosted a Turkish delegation led by General Ilkay Altındağ for talks on bilateral military cooperation.
Earlier in October, the minister also met Haluk Gorgun, head of Türkiye’s Defence Industries Corporation, to discuss developing joint defence manufacturing projects.
Bloomberg recently reported that Türkiye plans to supply Syria with armoured vehicles, drones, artillery, and missile systems, as part of expanded defence coordination that could extend Turkish operational range against Kurdish militants inside northern Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the officer training exchange underscores Syria’s gradual reintegration into regional affairs, reflecting a new phase of pragmatic security engagement following years of political estrangement.
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