Syria intends to buy weapons from Turkey, including layered air defense systems, to defend against terrorists and Israel, reports the pro-government newspaper Yeni Şafak. Funding could come through a special fund for Syria, supported by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The newspaper states that Syria’s temporary authorities have approached Turkey requesting the sale of air defense systems, armored vehicles, drones, and modernized artillery systems. This request concerns official arms sales, not military aid provided by Turkey.

According to the report, the weapons are needed to strengthen Syria’s defenses against terrorist and Israeli threats, with priority given to the creation of a layered air defense system covering the country’s northern regions. Last week, Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency head, Hulusi Gorgun, visited Damascus to discuss these issues.

Yeni Şafak notes that financing for such a deal between Ankara and Damascus could involve the GCC. Council members previously decided to create a Syrian reconstruction fund, which would focus on supporting investments in development and the defense industry.