DAMASCUS: Syrian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra said Presidential Decree No. 147 of 2026, issued by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa establishing the National University for Defense Sciences, is the culmination of months of work, research, and reviews of Arab and regional military education models, resulting in a national vision to reorganize military education and provide it with broader prospects.
Writing on X, Abu Qasra said the university brings together the Higher Military Academy, the air, naval, and military colleges, the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology, and military technical institutes under a single framework to enhance integration among military qualifications, academic specializations, and practical training.
The minister added that the Ministry of Defense will use the university to develop curricula, research and training programs, prepare officers and non-commissioned officers in required specializations, and establish a stronger scientific and military education pathway.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan Al-Halabi said Presidential Decrees No. 146 and 147 of 2026, establishing the Syrian University for Security Sciences and the National University for Defense Sciences, represent a strategic step in developing specialized higher education in the fields of security and defense.
In a statement, Al-Halabi said the two decrees reflect the state’s vision for advancing specialized higher education by strengthening the integration of academic knowledge with practical applications. He said the initiative aims to prepare highly qualified national cadres capable of meeting the needs of national institutions in line with advanced academic and training standards.
The minister added that the two universities, which will include colleges, institutes, and advanced research and training centers, will help build an integrated educational system in the fields of security and defense while promoting applied scientific research and keeping pace with developments in modern sciences, particularly technology, security sciences, and cyberspace.
Al-Halabi said the Ministry of Higher Education is fully prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities to activate the two institutions and support their academic mission.
The minister added that the two universities, which will include colleges, institutes, and advanced research and training centers, will help build an integrated educational system in the fields of security and defense while promoting applied scientific research and keeping pace with developments in modern sciences, particularly technology, security sciences, and cyberspace.
Al-Halabi said the Ministry of Higher Education is fully prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities to activate the two institutions and support their academic mission
