23.07.2026 13:30
The Ministry of National Defense announced that within the scope of the Eurofighter (EF) procurement, Turkish personnel are planned to be sent to the United Kingdom in August 2026 to begin flight training within a short period. The Greek press had previously reported on Türkiye's Eurofighter procurement, stating that "Türkiye will have the most advanced fleet in the region."
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Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk held a weekly press briefing at ROKETSAN's production facility in Mamak, Ankara.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, Aktürk shared, \"Over the past week, six PKK terrorists have surrendered, and operations continue in the regions to detect and destroy caves, shelters, hideouts, mines, and improvised explosive devices.\" Aktürk reported that 466 individuals, including one member of a terrorist organization, attempting to cross the borders illegally were apprehended, and that the number of individuals caught attempting to cross illegally since January 1 has reached 6,485, with a total of 42,776 individuals prevented this year, including 946 prevented individuals.
Stating that the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots were secured with the Cyprus Peace Operation, and lasting peace, tranquility, and stability were established on the island, Aktürk said, \"We once again celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, a historic turning point in the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for independence, and the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. We commemorate our martyrs and our heroic veterans who have passed away with mercy, and wish health and well-being to our living veterans.\" Aktürk stated that within the framework of the Peace and Freedom Day ceremonies, on July 20, a port visit was conducted by TCG Gökova, TCG Zıpkın, and TCG I. İnönü in Kyrenia, a demonstration flight by SOLOTÜRK, and a combat aircraft flyover in Nicosia.
After sharing details of National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler's contacts throughout the week, Rear Admiral Aktürk reported that Güler would receive the outgoing US Defense and Air Attaché and the new Attaché who will assume duty during a farewell visit today.
Aktürk stated that within the scope of the work carried out by the General Directorate of Mapping, 172 martyrs' cemeteries and monuments in 48 countries outside the homeland have been digitally mapped, creating the Map of Turkish Martyrs' Cemeteries and Monuments Abroad, which has been made accessible to citizens.
WEAPONS AND SYSTEMS INVENTORIED...
Regarding the weapons and systems added to the inventory, Aktürk said, \"The inspection and acceptance activities for a certain quantity of Fırtına-2 Howitzers have been completed by our Land Forces Command and they have been added to the inventory. Deliveries of various quantities and calibers of weapons and ammunition were carried out by our Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation during the week.\"
Aktürk stated that the selection phase activities for the 2026 military student procurement of the National Defense University will continue between July 14 and August 7. Noting that applications for the 2026 third-term specialist non-commissioned officer procurement and second-term contracted soldier procurement, to be employed in the Land, Naval, and Air Forces Commands, can be made between July 24 and August 9, Aktürk said, \"The Intra-Sector School Cooperation Sub-Protocol for opening a school between our Ministry and the Ministry of National Education was signed on June 29, 2026, and within this scope, the procedures for the Çaka Bey Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, to be opened on the premises of the Istanbul Shipyard Command, have been completed.\"
\"THE FAMILY'S GRIEF SHOULD BE RESPECTED\"
Following the meeting, the Ministry answered journalists' questions. Regarding the death of Veli Bilgin, a student at the Air War School in Yalova, the Ministry made the following statement:
\"The administrative and judicial investigation initiated immediately regarding the death of Air War School student Veli Bilgin is being conducted with great sensitivity. The incident is being meticulously examined in all its aspects, and the final forensic medicine report determining the exact cause of death is awaited. The findings from the judicial process and administrative investigation will be shared with the public.\"
During this process, it is of great importance to respect the grief of the family of our deceased cadet student and to avoid speculation-based assessments. Therefore, it is kindly requested not to give credence to speculative and probabilistic comments shared on social media, aside from official statements, and to claims aimed at misleading the public. We pray for God's mercy for our deceased cadet student and offer our condolences and patience to his bereaved family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation.
\"PLANS TO SEND PERSONNEL TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BEGIN FLIGHT TRAINING\"
Regarding Turkey's Eurofighter fighter jet procurement process, the Ministry of National Defense stated, \"Within the scope of the Eurofighter procurement, it is planned to send flight personnel to the United Kingdom in August 2026 to begin flight training in a short time. Under the signed contract, flight and maintenance personnel will continue to be sent to the United Kingdom over the years.\"
TURKEY'S MOVE HAD SHAKEN GREECE
The Greek press had recently focused on Turkey's goal of forming two fully operational squadrons with a total of 56 fourth-and-a-half generation Eurofighter Typhoons by 2030.
According to the Greek press, from a strategic perspective, the introduction of 56 Eurofighters into the inventory diversifies Turkey's air power structure. The fleet, currently predominantly reliant on American-made aircraft, will thus be strengthened with a European-produced platform.
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