Syria’s transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to discuss a potential joint defense pact in Ankara on Tuesday, signaling a major shift in regional security dynamics.

The proposed agreement includes establishing Turkish air bases in central Syria and Turkish-led training for Syria’s newly formed army.

Türkiye has long supported Syria’s opposition against former leader Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December following a swift military offensive led by Sharaa’s forces. Ankara now seeks to expand its influence in post-Assad Syria, potentially filling the strategic vacuum left by Iran, Assad’s main regional ally, while also heightening geopolitical tensions with Gulf Arab states and Israel.

Türkiye’s Expanding Role in Syria

According to sources, including a Syrian security official, two foreign security sources based in Damascus, and a senior regional intelligence official, the high-level discussions mark the first formal engagement on defense cooperation between Türkiye and Syria’s new leadership. While the deal is not expected to be finalized on Tuesday, it could pave the way for an increased Turkish military presence in Syria.

If implemented, the agreement would allow Türkiye to establish military air bases in Syria, utilize Syrian airspace for defense operations, and lead training programs for the country’s newly structured army. Following Assad’s removal, Syria’s leadership dissolved the national army and various rebel factions, aiming to integrate them under a unified military command.

Turkish Military Bases in Central Syria

Sources indicate that discussions will include the potential establishment of two Turkish military bases in Syria’s central desert region, known as the Badiyah. A Syrian presidential official confirmed that Sharaa would address Türkiye’s role in training Syria’s armed forces and discuss new areas of military cooperation with Erdogan.

Neither the Turkish presidency nor Syria’s defense ministry has issued official statements regarding the defense pact. However, Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated that the meeting would focus on Syria’s security, economic reconstruction, and bilateral stability efforts.

Air Defense and Regional Implications

Should the pact move forward, it would grant Türkiye a crucial role in Syria’s air defense, allowing it to secure Syrian airspace against potential threats.

Meanwhile, Russia, another key actor in Syria, has been holding discussions with the new government regarding the status of its two longstanding military installations in the country—the naval base in Tartous and the air base near Latakia. The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that it remains engaged in talks about the future of these strategic locations.

Syria’s new defense minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra, emphasized in a January interview that the country’s leadership aims to build strong regional partnerships to enhance military capabilities. “Through these ties, we will be able to build our military force well,” Abu Qasra stated, adding that Syria would welcome collaborations in areas such as arming, training, and air defense.

Geopolitical Ramifications

Türkiye’s deepening involvement in Syria’s military restructuring signals a shift in regional power balances. With Iran losing ground and Russia seeking to maintain its influence, Ankara is positioning itself as a dominant force in shaping Syria’s future.

The proposed defense pact could also draw scrutiny from regional players such as Gulf nations and Israel, both of whom have vested interests in Syria’s stability and security framework.

As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely to see how this alliance between Türkiye and Syria’s new leadership unfolds, and what it means for the broader Middle East security landscape. (ILKHA)