16.07.2026 14:10
The Ministry of National Defence (MSB) has reported that efforts regarding the transfer of S-400 Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense Systems to a third country are continuing in a multifaceted manner.
A statement was made by the Ministry in response to questions from the press following the weekly press briefing held at HAVELSAN.
Regarding the S-400 Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense Systems, the Ministry stated, "Studies related to the S-400 Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense Systems are ongoing in multiple dimensions. Concrete developments will be shared with the public when they occur."
DECISION ON CYPRUS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Regarding the decision on Cyprus in the European Parliament, the Ministry stated, "We strongly reject the baseless, irrational, and despicable allegations targeting the heroic Turkish Armed Forces in the European Parliament's decision concerning the 1974 Peace Operation, which saved the Turkish Cypriot people from annihilation after the systematic attacks, massacres, and forced displacements they suffered on the island."
It was conveyed that the decision ignores the massacres, mass graves, and years-long inhumane attacks suffered by the Turkish Cypriot people, and that this situation is a clear indication of the intellectual eclipse in the European Parliament and its unilateral approach based on Greek Cypriot propaganda.
In the statement emphasizing that the terrorist organization EOKA, which burned and destroyed 103 Turkish villages and displaced approximately 30,000 Turkish Cypriots since 1963 in line with the goal of Enosis, massacred innocent women, children, and the elderly, it was stated, "It is tragicomic that those who ignore the massacres committed in 'Bloody Christmas' in Ayvasıl, Muratağa, Sandallar, and Atlılar, before the eyes of the whole world, now attempt to blame our Turkish Armed Forces."
In the statement, it was noted that Turkey, as a guarantor state within the framework of its legitimate rights and powers arising from international agreements, ended the attacks targeting the existence and security of the Turkish Cypriot people with the Cyprus Peace Operation, saved the Turkish Cypriot people from extinction, and established peace and security on the island. The following were recorded:
"The presence of Turkish soldiers on the island has been the guarantee of peace, security, and stability for over half a century. The Republic of Turkey, as a guarantor state, will continue to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the rights, interests, and security of the Turkish Cypriot people as it has done to date. The Turkish Armed Forces are more determined than ever today to give the necessary response to any hostile attitude targeting the security of the Turkish Cypriot people."
PORT VISIT TO SYRIA
The Ministry stated that it is believed that expanding the harmonious relations between Turkey and the Syrian Arab Republic into different areas, establishing new collaborations, and developing the capacity of the Syrian Naval Forces will contribute to the stability of the region.
In this context, it was reported that the Commander of the Naval Forces and his accompanying delegation conducted a visit to Syria on July 13 to strengthen military cooperation and coordination in the maritime field between Turkey and Syria and to discuss matters of mutual interest.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF TURKEY-EGYPT RELATIONS
It was stated that there is a strong common heritage between Turkey and Egypt based on deep-rooted historical and cultural ties.
In the statement emphasizing that military cooperation has gained significant momentum as a result of recent mutual high-level visits between Turkey and Egypt, it was said, "Through mutual contacts at the level of military delegations aimed at strengthening dialogue in the field of defense and security, the scope of cooperation has been expanded, and concrete steps have been taken in military training, joint activities, and the defense industry."
In the statement noting that the exercises conducted in June, first in Egypt and then in Turkey with the participation of air elements, have made significant contributions to improving interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries, enhancing joint operational capability, and strengthening mutual experience sharing, the following were recorded:
"In this context, during the meetings held in our country between our Minister of National Defense and the Egyptian Minister of Defense, bilateral defense and security issues and matters related to enhancing cooperation were addressed, and a 'Defense Cooperation Letter of Intent' was signed after the meetings. This document demonstrates the joint will to further develop defense and security cooperation between Turkey and Egypt on an institutional basis and also shows a strong will to deepen relations, drawing strength from historical ties, based on mutual trust and common interests, and to develop new areas of cooperation that will contribute to regional peace, stability, and security."