Reinforcing Sovereignty and Safeguarding Stability

Syria occupies a pivotal position at the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, where the intersection of geography, politics, and commerce elevates national defense from a security function to a cornerstone of sovereignty. The strength and modernization of Syria’s defense and security architecture will shape not only its internal stability but also its ability to re-integrate into regional systems, manage its borders, and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

The country’s military institutions, border forces, civil defense units, and strategic industries are now facing a dual imperative: reconstitute capacity and reimagine systems for 21st-century threats—ranging from conventional security risks to hybrid, cyber, and infrastructure sabotage scenarios.

Syria’s defense outlook is no longer confined to conflict. It is now tied to  protection of national resources, security of reconstruction zones, and the re-establishment of credible deterrence and disaster response capabilities.  Investment in this sector, both through national channels and strategic partnerships, is essential for restoring command integrity, infrastructure reliability, and regional alignment.

Key Strategic Priorities

National Defense

• Border Security & Territorial Monitoring
  With over 2,500 kilometers of international borders, Syria must strengthen surveillance, customs control, and rapid-response mechanisms to counter smuggling, extremism, and uncontrolled transit.
• Military Infrastructure Renewal
  Reestablishing defense logistics—through base rehabilitation, fleet support, and hardened communications—is crucial to maintain deterrent posture and secure sensitive regions.
• Integrated Command & Control Systems
  The modernization of defense operations depends on rebuilding secure, encrypted communications, intelligence-sharing platforms, and real-time monitoring of internal and external threats.
• Defense Industrial Support & Maintenance
  Prior to conflict, Syria had a modest but capable domestic defense manufacturing base. Rehabilitating these facilities to support maintenance, refurbishment, and parts production will reduce dependence on external suppliers.

Civil Security & Public Protection

• Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
  Energy facilities, water systems, transportation nodes, and telecom stations remain vulnerable. Integrated CIP platforms—including surveillance, access control, and cyber-defense—can secure long-term operability.
• Emergency Response & Disaster Coordination
  Rebuilding Syria’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and civil emergencies includes mobile medical units, trained civil defense brigades, and interoperable alert systems.
• Urban Security Systems
  Revitalized cities require modern public safety strategies—ranging from CCTV coverage and secure transportation hubs to coordinated police-civilian networks in high-density areas.
• Cybersecurity & Institutional Safeguards
  As Syria modernizes digitally, cybersecurity for public institutions and critical digital infrastructure is essential to protect services and maintain governance reliability.

By the Numbers

• 40% of infrastructure sites still lack protection against sabotage or systemic threats
• Emergency response in rural areas often exceeds 60 minutes, underscoring the need for mobile readiness
• 35 official border crossings need upgraded surveillance and customs technology
• Public safety and disaster management ranks in the bottom quartile regionally, highlighting untapped potential for reform and investment

Why It Matters

Security isn’t separate from development—it’s a prerequisite. Rebuilding Syria’s defense and security architecture protects its people, secures its assets, and creates the confidence required for international partnerships. It ensures that reconstruction gains are not only possible—but sustainable.

This is a sector where engagement delivers exponential returns—not just on capital, but on trust, sovereignty, and long-term national resilience.

Where the Council Engages

The U.S.-Syria Business Council works with institutional, industrial, and policy partners to support responsible engagement in Syria’s evolving defense landscape. Through intelligence briefings, cross-sector dialogues, and global partnerships, the Council helps members understand risks, navigate regulatory contexts, and explore opportunities to contribute to national stabilization and strategic capability building.

For organizations aligned with sovereign resilience, infrastructure security, and sectoral modernization, the Defense track provides a critical window into Syria’s national priorities and partnership potential.