Syrian Arab Air Force

The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF), once a formidable force in the region, has been rendered largely ineffective following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 and subsequent Israeli airstrikes.

Prior to its collapse, the SyAAF was structured into two primary air divisions, the 20th and 22nd, comprising a mix of fighter-bomber, interceptor, and helicopter brigades. Its inventory was predominantly composed of aging Soviet-era aircraft, such as MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-22, and Su-24 jets, alongside a variety of helicopters. The prolonged civil war, which began in 2011, had already significantly degraded its capabilities through attrition of aircraft and personnel, and operational readiness was low.

The strategic doctrine of the SyAAF under the Assad regime shifted dramatically with the onset of the civil war. Initially postured for a conventional conflict with Israel, its focus pivoted entirely to internal security and regime preservation. Air power became a central element of the government's war effort, used for aerial bombardment of opposition-held areas, close air support for ground forces, and logistical resupply. This often involved indiscriminate attacks on civilian population centers, utilizing unguided munitions and barrel bombs. Modernization efforts were minimal and heavily dependent on Russian assistance, which included some support for repairing armored vehicles and limited training.

The final blow to the SyAAF came in December 2024. Following a rapid offensive by opposition forces that led to the fall of the Assad regime, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of devastating airstrikes. These strikes targeted air bases across the country and are reported to have destroyed the vast majority of Syria's remaining air force and air defense capabilities.

The current status of Syria's air power is uncertain and extremely limited. The new transitional government is in the nascent stages of forming a national army, but it currently lacks a functional air force or air defense system and is reportedly seeking assistance from Turkey for air cover. There have been some reports of a few helicopters, such as the Mi-17, being made operational by the new government's forces. However, for the foreseeable future, Syria is without a meaningful air power capability, and any reconstruction of its air force will be a monumental challenge, entirely dependent on foreign support and the country's political stabilization.