Syria and Russia transform military bases into joint training centres

Syria and Russia transform military bases into joint training centres

Syria announced on Sunday that it has concluded negotiations with Moscow to fundamentally transform Russia's two military installations in the country, converting them from operational bases into joint training and capacity-building centres under new arrangements designed to serve mutual interests.

The memorandum of understanding, which followed 18 months of negotiations, establishes a three-month deadline to complete the transition process, according to Syria's official SANA news agency, which cited the foreign ministry. During this period, civilian facilities at both locations will be transferred to Syrian control.

Historical context of Russian presence

The Tartus naval facility has anchored Russia's Mediterranean presence since the Soviet Union first established it in 1971 under a defense cooperation agreement with Syria. After a period of reduced activity, Russia revived the base in 2013, and by 2017 had secured a 49-year lease from Assad's government that included automatic extensions for additional 25-year periods. That agreement permitted Russia to expand Tartus to accommodate up to 11 vessels, including nuclear-powered ships, making it Russia's only naval base in the Mediterranean and a crucial hub for operations extending to Libya, the Red Sea, Sudan and West Africa.

The Hmeimim airbase near Latakia was established more recently, built by Russia in 2015 by repurposing an existing civilian airport that shared facilities with what was formerly known as Bassel Al-Assad International Airport. Russia secured a parallel 49-year lease on this installation in 2017.

Geopolitical upheaval

Russia provided vital military support that sustained Assad's forces throughout Syria's 13-year civil war. However, Assad's dramatic ouster on December 8, 2024, when rebel forces captured Damascus and ended the Assad family's 53-year rule that began with Hafez al-Assad in 1971, dealt a severe blow to Moscow's regional influence. The collapse of Assad's government rendered the 2017 lease agreements legally uncertain, necessitating fresh negotiations with Syria's new leadership.

President Vladimir Putin has worked to cultivate relations with the new Islamist authorities in Damascus to preserve Russia's strategic foothold. Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the offensive that toppled Assad and was formally appointed Syria's president in January 2025. Al-Sharaa has been received by Putin in Moscow on two occasions since assuming power.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited both facilities on Sunday to inspect the installations covered under the historic agreement, according to SANA.

Ongoing tensions

While Damascus has demonstrated willingness to cooperate with Moscow on the bases, Syria has repeatedly demanded that Russia extradite Assad, who fled to Moscow with his wife and has been sheltering there since his removal from power. The Kremlin has not acceded to these requests.

Both the Hmeimim and Tartus installations remained operational throughout the negotiation period. Earlier this year, the Kremlin withdrew its forces from Qamishli airport in northeastern Syria, signaling adjustments to its military posture in the country.