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Reports that Türkiye plans to provide Syria with drones, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, as well as the provision for Turkish forces to be allowed to intervene 30 kilometers deep into Syrian territory against security threats, point to something much deeper than a transactional arms deal. If realized, this would basically mark the first practical step toward updating the 1998 Adana Agreement.
The original Adana Agreement granted Türkiye the right to pursue PKK militants up to 5 kilometers inside Syrian territory, while Syria pledged to prevent its soil from being used for terrorist activities against Türkiye. At the time, years of confrontation between the two neighbors ended and a framework for limited cooperation was established.
Today, the YPG-dominated SDF terrorist organization continues to consolidate control over territory along the Turkish border and still hasn’t implemented the March 10 agreement. Against this backdrop, Ankara’s reported plan is not just about Turkish national security—it is also about helping Damascus reassert control over its own borders.
The mere discussion of such a deal could be a trigger and push factor to finally convince the SDF to integrate into the Syrian state. However, if the SDF continues to refuse to integrate, the discussed deal could be a stronger legal basis for Turkish military intervention in Syria.
For Syria, Turkish support—especially in the form of advanced drones and air-defense systems—could be crucial in deterring future Israeli strikes and rebuilding its shattered defense capacity.
The Syrian army has suffered from years of civil war, with the remaining bulk of its strength destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Recent Israeli attacks against governmental buildings in Damascus and continued incursions into Syria are a very strong source of concern for the Syrian government.
Turkish military assistance could help Syria not just protect itself from the threat of the SDF, Shia militias and Daesh but also to increase its defense capabilities. Syria lacks on all fronts to protect its own sovereignty. Allying and partnering with Türkiye and seeking to bring Russia back into the equation, while exploring the chance of an American mediation with Israel, is the best shot Damascus has.
In this sense, contrary to reports, one can expect a much more extended security agreement between Damascus and Ankara beyond the 30 kilometers. If it happens, such a deal could be just the first phase of a growing security cooperation between the two neighbors. The next logical step would be a broader counterterrorism accord granting Türkiye rights to operate anywhere in Syria.
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