Syria transitions following the collapse of the Assad dynasty

The collapse of the Assad dynasty in December 2024 marked the end of fifty years of family rule in Syria. Following a rapid offensive by rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, leaving behind a fractured nation.

The Assad era began in 1963 when Hafez al-Assad seized power, establishing an authoritarian regime characterized by a pervasive police state and a cult of personality. While the country saw slight economic opening following the fall of the Soviet Union, political repression remained constant. Amnesty International reports that 17,000 people disappeared in regime prisons between 1980 and 2000.

In the aftermath of the regime's fall, the new leadership under Ahmed el-Charaa has worked to restore a military aviation capability. Despite previous Israeli strikes targeting the former Syrian Air Force, new efforts have seen the repair of various aircraft, including Gazelle, Ka-27, and Mi-17 helicopters. This restoration has involved former pilots and technicians, alongside cooperation with Turkey, which includes training Syrian air force cadets.