25.12.2025 12:20
The Ministry of National Defense made a statement regarding the crash of the Falcon-50 aircraft carrying the Chief of General Staff of Libya and his accompanying delegation. The ministry stated that the aircraft declared an emergency due to an electrical failure, saying, "After losing radar contact with the aircraft, two drones from our Air Force, one CN-235 aircraft, and one search and rescue helicopter were immediately dispatched to the area. The black box from the flight has also been reached at the crash site, and a technical examination process has been initiated."
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) made statements regarding current issues in a press briefing today (December 25, 2025).
In a statement about the recently downed/unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the MSB reported that there are no vulnerabilities regarding the matter. The ministry stated that the UAVs are being examined and the results of the examination will be shared with the public.
The statement emphasized that the UAVs pose a threat not only to Turkey but are also a reflection of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
The ministry also provided information regarding the crash of the plane carrying the Libyan delegation, the discussions between Israel, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), and the latest situation in Syria.
"THE WRECKAGE OF THE UAV HAS NOT BEEN REACHED YET"
The ministry's statement regarding UAVs is as follows:
"On December 15, a UAV approaching our airspace from the Black Sea was detected and subsequently tracked by our F-16s, and it was shot down with a controlled intervention in a safe area. The wreckage of the UAV, which was destroyed in the air, has not yet been reached due to its fragmentation into very small pieces and scattering over a wide area.
The UAVs found in Balıkesir and Kocaeli are being examined. The results of the examination will be shared with the public.
The control of our airspace is ensured on a 24/7 basis with a multi-layered architecture, including radar, electro-optical sensors, land, sea, and air elements, as well as NATO's integrated structure, and there is no vulnerability in this regard.
Small, low-altitude, and low radar cross-section UAVs are a new generation threat faced not only by Turkey but by all states, including European countries. In interventions against such targets, civil air traffic and safety of life are prioritized, and the most suitable element is activated.
As a result; the mentioned incidents are a reflection of the increased use of UAVs due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, rather than a vulnerability in air defense. Turkey is taking additional measures against UAVs, continuously improving its air defense capacity through national projects and allied integrations, and is resolutely continuing to ensure the security of its airspace."
"WE CONVEY OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE OF LIBYA"
The ministry's statement regarding the crash of the private jet, which included Libyan Chief of General Staff General Mohamed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, in Ankara is as follows:
After radar contact with the aircraft was lost, two UAVs belonging to our Air Forces, a CN-235 aircraft, and a search and rescue helicopter were immediately dispatched to the area.
As a result of the search efforts, the wreckage of the aircraft was reached in the rural area of Haymana district in Ankara; it was determined that the Libyan Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Land Forces, the accompanying military delegation members, and the entire flight crew lost their lives.
The flight's black box has also been reached at the wreckage site, and a technical examination process has been initiated.
On December 24, inspections were conducted in the wreckage area by our Chief of General Staff, Force Commanders, and the Gendarmerie Criminal Department Head, along with the official delegation from Libya.
The cause of the accident is being investigated in all aspects with the cooperation of our relevant institutions and Libyan authorities.
We once again pray for the souls of the Libyan Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Land Forces, the accompanying military delegation members, and the flight crew who were martyred in this tragic plane crash; we convey our condolences and patience to the friendly and brotherly people of Libya."
ISRAEL, GREECE, AND GCA MEETING
The ministry reacted with the following statements regarding the trilateral summit organized by the governments of Israel, Greece, and the GCA:
"Recently, we are closely monitoring the activities of Israel, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration, the statements made after the trilateral summit they held, and the military cooperation initiatives expressed within the framework of the decisions taken at the summit. It is not the case that this initiative poses a military threat to Turkey.
Turkey continues its determination to maintain stability in the region and to sustain a dialogue environment. The statements made by Israel towards Turkey and the rhetoric that could escalate tensions in the region have no counterpart in the realities on the ground and international law.
Our country is in favor of constructive dialogue in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean based on NATO alliance; however, it should be known that steps contrary to the spirit of alliance will not change the situation on the ground.
Turkey's position regarding the security and rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is clear and unchanging. Turkey has not refrained from using the powers granted to it by its guarantorship and will not refrain from doing so in the future.
As a result, the party that increases tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean is not Turkey; rather, it is the exclusionary and unilateral steps that aim to create faits accomplis. Turkey is in favor of shaping the region as a basin of cooperation and stability rather than a conflict zone."
"ONE STATE, ONE ARMY IN SYRIA"
Finally, the ministry's statement regarding the latest situation in Syria noted the following:
"Recently, the attacks carried out by the PKK/YPG/SDF are harming the territorial integrity and stability of Syria and negatively affecting the consensus process.
In Syria, there are those who want a stable and prosperous Syria that has achieved unity and integrity, and those who favor an unstable, divided, and weak Syria.
Turkey's stance, which is trying to produce peace and stability in the region, is clear and known by everyone. Turkey is determined to continue close cooperation with the Syrian government in this regard and to support the principle of 'One State, One Army.'