Syria rebuilds air force with new pilots

The Syrian military graduated over 1,000 new pilots as part of its effort to rebuild the air force following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.

Video released by the Defense Ministry shows the first class of aviators finishing training at a base 40 kilometers east of Aleppo. The facility was renamed to honor Khalid ibn al-Walid, an early Islamic military leader, according to defense intelligence reports.

An air force hollowed out by war

Before the regime’s fall, Syria’s air force officially listed 153 helicopters and 248 fixed-wing aircraft. The fleet included MiG and Sukhoi jets, Gazelle helicopters, and Mi-series rotorcraft. Most were grounded or inoperable after years of internal conflict and repeated Israeli strikes.

The new government has not disclosed how many aircraft it has restored. Restoration efforts started in early 2025, concentrating on salvaging what remained of the fleet.

Rebuilding under fire

Former rebels from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham contributed to the recovery by forming air units and repairing surviving helicopters. The work proceeded despite ongoing Israeli attacks that destroyed air-defense systems, combat helicopters at Damascus’ Mezzeh base, and missile-launching ships in Latakia.

In March 2025, Mi-24 attack helicopters were used against Assad loyalists near Latakia. By September, Su-22 fighter-bombers and L-39 training jets had returned to service. To quickly expand the pilot corps, the Defense Ministry launched an eight-month accelerated training program in November.

The revival was highlighted during a December 2025 parade in Damascus, where two Gazelle helicopters and a Mi-8/17 transport were displayed. The event was the first public demonstration of the air force’s partial recovery.

Training 1,000 new aviators in less than a year indicates the government is prioritizing numbers over the specialized experience lost when veteran pilots fled or were removed.

The renamed base near Aleppo, now a symbol of military ambitions, is located 40 kilometers east of the city.

Neighboring countries are watching Syria’s resurgence closely, concerned about the implications of its rebuilt air capabilities.