A Turkish Navy delegation visited Latakia to assess the reconstruction and development of the Syrian Naval Forces, focusing on ship maintenance, repair, modernization, new construction, training and port infrastructure.
According to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence, the visit was conducted as part of bilateral military relations with the Syrian Naval Forces Command, with the aim of increasing its capabilities and capacity. The delegation comprised Istanbul Shipyard Command Commander Rear Admiral Erdinç Yetkin, Naval Forces Command Logistics Chief Rear Admiral Timur Yılmaz, and Naval Training and Education Commander Rear Admiral. Yücel Darcan, and representatives of Turkish defence company ASFAT.
During the visit, the delegation conducted assessments in Latakia covering the maintenance, repair and modernization of existing vessels, the construction of new ships, individual and team training, and the development of port infrastructure. The ministry stated that an understanding had been reached and a roadmap drawn up.
The visit follows a July visit by Turkish naval vessels to Latakia, the first such port call since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu was aboard the frigate TCG Istanbul during that visit, which Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence described as part of efforts to support the restructuring of the Syrian Armed Forces.
The Turkish initiative comes as Syria seeks to rebuild its naval capabilities following extensive losses during Israeli strikes in December 2024. The attacks targeted Syrian naval assets at Latakia and Baniyas, destroying much of the fleet and significantly reducing its ability to conduct operations at sea.
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