Syrian Arab Air Force

The Syrian Air Force, officially known as the Syrian Arab Air Force, has a long history of involvement in various conflicts, both internal and external. However, the capabilities of the Syrian Air Force have been severely degraded due to ongoing conflicts, international sanctions, and a lack of modernization.

Traditionally reliant on Soviet, and later Russian, military hardware, the Syrian Air Force's fleet mainly consists of aging aircraft, such as MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and Su-22s. Although these aircraft are outdated by modern standards, they have been employed extensively in the Syrian Civil War for ground-attack missions, particularly in urban environments. The use of such aircraft in civilian-populated areas has led to widespread condemnation for causing indiscriminate harm.

Operational readiness is another concern. Maintenance challenges, compounded by international sanctions, have impacted the availability of spare parts, limiting the Air Force's operational effectiveness. Moreover, years of conflict have drained experienced personnel, affecting both the quality of pilots and ground support staff.

Despite these drawbacks, the Syrian Air Force has benefited from direct Russian military support, including tactical training and occasional provision of more advanced aircraft, such as the Su-24 and Su-34. This aid has been instrumental in maintaining a level of aerial capability, although it has not been sufficient to fully modernize the force.

In terms of strategy, the Syrian Air Force has primarily been engaged in a supportive role to ground forces, focusing on close air support and occasionally anti-insurgency operations. It lacks the capability for long-range strike missions or complex air-to-air combat scenarios. Its operational doctrine is largely shaped by immediate tactical needs rather than a comprehensive long-term strategy, mainly due to the exigencies of the ongoing civil conflict.

Overall, the Syrian Air Force is a considerably weakened entity, with outdated equipment and limited operational readiness. It has, however, proven adaptable to the constraints imposed by prolonged conflict and international isolation, leveraging limited resources and external support to maintain a degree of effectiveness in its primary role of ground support.

Key facts

Number of active aircrafts by type