18.03.2026 12:21
The Ministry of National Defense announced that an additional battery has been deployed to the existing Spanish Patriot system at Incirlik Air Base in Adana to strengthen air defense against missile threats from Iran. The statement said, "In addition to national measures, a Patriot system assigned by the Allied Air Command in Germany is being deployed in Adana alongside the Patriot system."
The Ministry of National Defense held its weekly press briefing in Adana İncirlik. The Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson of the Ministry, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, shared information regarding recent developments.
Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that in addition to the PATRIOT air defense system belonging to Spain in Adana, a second PATRIOT system from Germany has been deployed following the ballistic missile threat directed at Turkish airspace from Iran.
NEW PATRIOT SYSTEM WILL COME FROM GERMANY
In the statement, it was said, "Another ballistic ammunition fired from Iran on March 13 entered our airspace and was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean. Contacts are ongoing with the relevant country to clarify all aspects of the incident, and all necessary measures are being taken decisively against any threats to our national security, while developments in our region are being closely and carefully monitored. Additionally, in order to ensure the security of our airspace and our citizens, another PATRIOT system assigned by the Allied Air Command in Ramstein/Germany is being deployed in Adana, in addition to the existing Spanish PATRIOT system stationed in Adana."
Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:
COUNTER-TERRORISM
Within the scope of the operational activities carried out by our Turkish Armed Forces with high discipline and determination over the past week; - 6 PKK terrorists have surrendered, - Search and destroy operations for caves, shelters, and hideouts, as well as mines and improvised explosive devices, have been effectively carried out in the operation areas, - The length of tunnels destroyed in the Syrian Operation Areas has reached 767 kilometers (Tel Rıfat: 302 / Manbij: 465).
BORDER SECURITY
With effective and multi-layered measures supported by advanced technology taken for border security over the past week; - 139 individuals, including 6 members of terrorist organizations, have been captured, and the number of those caught trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1 has reached 1,417, - Together with 2,486 individuals who were prevented from crossing, the total number of people prevented this year has reached 15,979. Additionally, during the search and screening activities conducted along the Van border line, 4 kilograms (4,060 grams) of narcotic substances were seized.
QUESTION-ANSWER
After the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, statements were made in response to questions from the press by the Ministry.
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE YAŞAR GÜLER'S VISIT TO ITALY
The recent visit of our Minister Yaşar Güler to Italy was a pre-planned visit that took place at the invitation of the Italians. In the one-on-one and inter-delegation meetings, discussions were held on bilateral and regional defense and security, as well as cooperation in the defense industry.
STATEMENTS REGARDING ENSURING SECURITY IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
The recent statements regarding ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the calls made to allied countries in this context are being closely and carefully monitored by us.
The Strait of Hormuz is of strategic importance for global energy supply security and the continuity of international maritime trade, and it is crucial to maintain freedom of navigation in the region and to prevent escalation of tensions.
In this context, Turkey evaluates developments from the perspective of regional peace and stability, reiterating its call for all parties to exercise restraint and act in accordance with international law.
NOTAM PUBLISHED IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AND SECURITY OF CYPRUS
The Greek Cypriot side occasionally brings up similar issues that cause a jurisdictional confusion to disregard the rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The counter NOTAM that invalidates the mentioned NOTAM has been published by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The NOTAM published by the Greek Cypriot Administration is invalid and null.
Additionally, the Greek Cypriot Administration has turned Cyprus into a target by allowing the accumulation of weapons on the island and the use of the island by other countries in recent years.
As a guarantor country, our country continues to take additional measures to ensure the security of not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but the entire island. Our determination to ensure the rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and its security is absolute. We have not hesitated to exercise the rights granted to us by our guarantorship, and we will not hesitate in the future.