18.06.2026 14:41
The Ministry of National Defense announced that an Italian SAMP/T air defense system has been deployed in Konya to strengthen NATO air defense. The Ministry also reported that the Siper Air Defense System successfully hit its target in the latest test, reaching full operational capability. While stating that it welcomes the US-Iran agreement, the Ministry shared the latest information on NATO Summit preparations, border security, and counter-terrorism activities.
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Advisor for Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry Spokesperson, made statements at the weekly briefing held at the Kahramankazan Campus on the occasion of TAI's 53rd founding anniversary.
Aktürk stated that TAI significantly contributes to the operational capability of the Turkish Armed Forces with its original platforms and advanced technology products, and noted that projects such as KAAN, Hürjet, Hürkuş, ANKA, Aksungur, Süper Şimşek, Gökbey, and Atak are ongoing. He said that the basic training aircraft Hürkuş and the general-purpose helicopter Gökbey are planned to be inducted into the Air Force Command inventory this year.
TÜRKİYE'S MESSAGES AT NATO MEETINGS
Aktürk stated that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler attended the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and NATO Defense Ministers Meeting held in Brussels.
He expressed that at the meetings, Türkiye's contributions to NATO operations and missions, efforts towards the 5% defense spending target, support for Ukraine, diplomatic initiatives for lasting peace in the region, and preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara would be brought to the agenda.
It was also reported that Minister Güler would hold bilateral meetings with the defense ministers of France and the Netherlands.
6 TERRORISTS SURRENDERED
Aktürk, announcing that 6 PKK terrorists surrendered to security forces in the past week, said that caves, shelters, hideouts, mines, and improvised explosive devices in operation areas were detected and destroyed.
Aktürk stated that 376 people attempting to cross the borders illegally were caught, and 2,112 people were prevented, noting that the number of those caught since the beginning of the year has reached 4,534, and those prevented has reached 38,305.
It was also announced that 778 kilograms of drugs were seized during search activities carried out on the Van and Hakkari border lines.
SUPPORT FOR US-IRAN AGREEMENT
In a written statement from the Ministry, it was stated that the agreement reached between the US and Iran to end the conflicts was welcomed.
The statement expressed the hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace, security, and stability in the region, highlighting the importance of the parties acting with prudence and responsibility. It was noted that developments in the Strait of Hormuz are being closely monitored.
SİPER ACHIEVED FULL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY
The MoND announced that an Italian SAMP/T system was deployed in Konya within the scope of the NATO air defense plan.
The statement also reported that the Siper Air Defense System in the Air Force Command inventory successfully destroyed the high-speed and maneuverable Süper Şimşek air target in a test conducted in Sinop on June 12 and achieved full operational capability.
The Ministry emphasized that the work carried out within the scope of the Steel Dome project aims to strengthen Türkiye's multi-layered air and missile defense capacity.
TRAINING PROVIDED TO 503 GUEST MILITARY PERSONNEL
The MoND announced that training activities continue within the scope of agreements with friendly and allied countries.
It was stated that a total of 503 military personnel from Kyrgyzstan, TRNC, Mali, Libya, and Somalia were trained at the Isparta Mountain Commando School and Training Center Command.
It was also noted that training quotas for a total of 448 personnel from 16 countries were allocated for the 2026-2027 period.
NATO SUMMIT PREPARATIONS CONTINUE
The Ministry announced that preparations for the NATO Leaders Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8 are ongoing under the coordination of the Presidency.
The statement shared information that all necessary security measures have been taken and a reception will be held at the Crescent-Star Headquarters in honor of the guest defense ministers and their delegations.