Türkiye has taken its security strategy in Syria to a new level by starting the training of professional command personnel for the Syrian National Army under Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) doctrine. According to the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), 49 Syrian cadets have officially begun their education at Türkiye’s Land, Naval, and Air War Academies.
MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk confirmed during a press briefing on October 30 that the training is being conducted under the “Joint Education and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding,” signed on August 13, 2025. The memorandum formalizes close cooperation aimed at enhancing Syria’s defense and security capabilities.
As of October 31, 49 Syrian cadets started academic and military training at the War Academies within the National Defense University (MSÜ). The cadets are distributed according to their service branches: 21 to the Air War Academy, 18 to the Naval War Academy, and 10 to the Land War Academy. Their training curriculum includes air defense, commando operations, and infantry tactics, combining both theoretical and practical components.
Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen the Syrian National Army’s military capacity are not limited to war academies. Selected units of the Syrian National Army have also started receiving specialized military training at Turkish military bases, covering areas such as air defense systems, commando operations, and infantry tactics. This comprehensive program aims to enhance both the operational effectiveness and professional skills of the troops under the TSK doctrine.
This model reflects military capacity-building strategies previously implemented successfully by the TSK in countries such as Somalia and Libya. Through these programs, Türkiye is transferring its doctrine to ensure that the Syrian National Army’s future structure aligns with its geopolitical interests.
Looking ahead, the training programs are expected to become even more comprehensive, with an expanding curriculum and advanced courses. Türkiye plans to increase the number of Syrian National Army cadets and police officers receiving training, further enhancing their professional capabilities and interoperability under TSK doctrine.
