How should Syria rebuild its navy to meet local needs without provoking Israel?
Short answerConcentrate on OPVs and a few light frigates, preferably bought through Western partners to combine useful capability with political reassurance.
NotesA rebuilt Syrian fleet should begin with the country’s limited Mediterranean requirements rather than with prestige ships. OPVs would cover routine local patrol needs, while three or four light frigates would provide the largest combatants the navy is likely to require. Singapore’s Formidable class is offered as the scale of ship to seek, potentially with French assistance. Buying Western equipment could connect Syria to the same broader security network used by Israel and reduce political alarm, although Syrian specialists would still need to inspect imported systems carefully.