Syria Army

The ground forces of Syria, operating under the Ministry of Defence, comprise armored, mechanized, motorized infantry, artillery, and specialized security formations. Armored units operate main battle tanks including T-90, T-72, T-62, and T-55 models. Mechanized infantry formations are equipped with BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, along with various wheeled armored personnel carriers. Field artillery units utilize towed guns and self-propelled systems such as the 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S3 Akatsiya, complemented by BM-21 Grad and BM-27 Uragan multiple rocket launcher systems. Tactical mobility and logistics rely on military transport trucks, utility vehicles, and uncrewed aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and fire correction.

Headquartered in Damascus, the command structure is centered around the General Staff and Ministry of Defence under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The ground forces are organized into regional corps commands overseeing divisions and independent brigades, including the Central Region Corps. The force structure is transitioning from a conscription model to a professional volunteer force while integrating former regional armed factions into standardized military divisions. Garrisons and command centers are located in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama. Organizational initiatives focus on establishing a unified chain of command, eliminating autonomous factional leaderships, and standardizing operational doctrine across active divisions.

Rebuilding and modernization of the land forces rely on foreign technical and instructional support. A bilateral defense agreement signed with Turkey in August 2025 established programs for officer training, military engineering, logistics, mine clearance, and doctrine development. Turkish military advisers assist with command reorganization, while Syrian units receive equipment and instructional support. Ground units participated in joint international maneuvers, including the EFES-2026 exercise in Turkey. Maintenance of legacy Soviet and Russian armor and artillery systems is supported through logistics agreements providing spare parts and technical servicing.

Primary missions include border control, internal stabilization, and counterinsurgency. Active ground force deployments cover border security operations along the Lebanese frontier to block smuggling and militant infiltration, as well as garrisoning southern provinces including Suwayda and Daraa. Ground forces also maintain security positions along transit corridors and primary infrastructure hubs across central and eastern Syria while managing integration operations regarding regional security forces.