Originally a loyal client of the now-defunct Soviet empire, Syria now faces a potential lack of supplies for its armed forces. Nonetheless, its air force numbers 70,000 men and 600 combat aircraft, including the new MiG-29. Its strengths are slightly biased toward air interception and reconnaissance duties, as these are seen to be of paramount importance. Syrian pilots are generally not well trained, however, and have faired poorly in recent conflicts. Their air combat tally versus the Israelis was 0-81 in 1982.
