26.06.2025 12:40
During the weekly press conference of the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), important messages were shared on various topics, ranging from the Israel-Iran War to the process of a Terror-Free Turkey. In a statement from MSB sources, it was mentioned, "By investing in the Iron Dome air defense system, we plan to expand the layered air defense system across our entire country."
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The Press and Public Relations Advisor of the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) and the Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk spoke at a press briefing held at the Land Forces Command. Rear Admiral Aktürk shared important messages on a wide range of topics, from the Israel-Iran War to the Terror-Free Turkey process, and from the attack on a church in Damascus to the Iron Dome.
"WE PLAN TO SPREAD THE IRON DOME ACROSS OUR COUNTRY"
Ministry sources stated, "We continue to increase our defense budget and invest in our defense industry and research and development capabilities. In this context, we plan to invest primarily in our air defense system (Iron Dome) to spread the layered air defense system across our country. Additionally, we are continuing to strengthen our armed forces and increase our defense capacity by investing in hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile systems, aircraft, ships, tanks, unmanned land, sea, and air systems, new generation aircraft carriers, and frigates. On the other hand, we always keep our Armed Forces ready in accordance with Article 3 of the NATO Washington Agreement. Turkey, as a responsible and reliable NATO member, has an unwavering determination to fulfill its obligations," he said.
"199 PEOPLE WERE CAPTURED AND 991 PEOPLE WERE PREVENTED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK"
Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that within the scope of border security activities throughout the week, 199 people, including 2 members of a terrorist organization, were captured, and 991 people were prevented, saying, "Thus, as of January 1, the number of those caught trying to cross our borders illegally has reached 2,880, and the number of those prevented has reached 39,970. Additionally, during the search and scanning activities conducted along the Hatay border line this week, 72 kilograms of narcotic substances were seized," he shared.
Providing information about the "tunnel destruction" activities carried out in the operational areas in Syria, Aktürk stated that to date, tunnels with a total length of 168 kilometers in the Tel Rifat region and 174 kilometers in the Manbij region have been destroyed.
"THE FIGHT AGAINST FETÖ CONTINUES WITH DETERMINATION"
Regarding the fight against FETÖ, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "Our Ministry continues its fight against FETÖ with determination in light of new information, documents, and data. Only this year, 102 personnel have been dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces by the decision of the High Disciplinary Board. Our fight against FETÖ will continue with the same sensitivity as it has until now," he said.
NATO SUMMIT
Providing information about the contacts of Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler during the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24-25, Aktürk noted:
"Our Minister participated in the North Atlantic Council (NAC) session, where the issues on NATO's agenda were discussed, accompanying our President, attended a working dinner organized for NATO Defense Ministers, participated in the meetings held by our President with the President of Romania and the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, signed a letter of intent for the establishment of a Multinational Cooperation Capacity for the Supply, Storage, Transportation, and Management of Defense Critical Raw Material Stocks, and signed a letter of intent to develop bilateral relations with the Netherlands, and held meetings with the defense ministers of some allied and partner countries."
"WE WELCOME THE CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAN"
Rear Admiral Aktürk also addressed the conflicts between Iran and Israel, stating, "We welcome the declaration of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and expect the ceasefire to be implemented in full and for a lasting ceasefire to be achieved. We emphasize that peaceful methods and diplomatic solutions should be prioritized to establish real peace and stability in the region, and we support all constructive dialogue and initiatives in this direction."
"A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE IN GAZA IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PALESTINIAN STATE"
Stating that it is essential to initiate a sustainable peace process to ensure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and uninterrupted humanitarian aid, Aktürk said, "Stability in the region is only possible with a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian State."
"THE FEE FOR PAID MILITARY SERVICE WILL BE UPDATED ON JULY 1"
Reminding that the fee and additional fee applicable to paid military service will be updated according to the civil servant monthly coefficient as of July 1, Aktürk stated, "Those who wish to apply for paid military service based on the current fee must complete their application and payment processes by June 30."
"OUR DEFENSE EXPENDITURES ARE ABOVE THE 2% TARGET CRITERION"
After the weekly press briefing, ministry sources answered journalists' questions. In response to a question about the decision to update the commitments of NATO member countries regarding defense expenditures that came to the agenda after the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in The Hague, sources stated that Turkey is currently above the 2% target criterion applied within the scope of defense expenditure commitments.
"WE ARE INCREASING OUR CAPACITY BY INVESTING IN OUR AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM"
Ministry sources continued:
"Turkey is among the first five countries that provide force contributions to NATO operations and missions, possessing the second largest army in the Alliance. It has met all the capability targets assigned to it. Additionally, we continue to increase our defense budget and invest in our defense industry and research and development capabilities. In this context, we plan to invest primarily in our air defense system (Iron Dome) to spread the layered air defense system across our country. Furthermore, we are continuing to strengthen our armed forces and increase our defense capacity by investing in hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile systems, aircraft, ships, tanks, unmanned land, sea, and air systems, new generation aircraft carriers, and frigates. On the other hand, we always keep our Armed Forces ready in accordance with Article 3 of the NATO Washington Agreement. Turkey, as a responsible and reliable NATO member, has an unwavering determination to fulfill its obligations."
In response to questions regarding the scope of the letter of intent signed by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler with his Dutch counterpart during the NATO Summit, sources stated, "The letter of intent was signed on June 24 in connection with the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in The Hague."
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They expressed their desire to increase mutual visits between the Defense Ministers and senior officials of the two countries, to conduct joint consultations on defense issues among the relevant authorities, and to hold military policy discussions.
WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAN
Ministry sources made the following assessments in response to questions regarding the conflicts between Iran and Israel, for which a ceasefire decision was made:
"The conflicts occurring in the Iran-Israel-US axis pose a serious threat to peace, security, and stability. All disputes, including those related to Iran's nuclear program, can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means. Targeting nuclear facilities and the potential nuclear leakage that may occur afterwards pose a vital risk to the countries in the region. We welcome the ceasefire achieved between the parties and hope for a lasting ceasefire. We are closely monitoring developments in the region. Turkey maintains open channels of dialogue with all parties for the cessation of conflicts and the establishment of real peace, within the framework of respect for international law and the sovereignty rights of states."
TERROR ATTACK ON CHURCH IN SYRIA
Sources responding to questions regarding the terrorist attack on the Mar Ilyas Church in the capital of Syria, Damascus, stated the following:
"We strongly condemn the treacherous attack carried out by the terrorist organization ISIS on the Mar Ilyas Church located in the Duveyla area of Damascus on June 22. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this despicable attack and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The act of the terrorist organization ISIS, which targets the social peace and unity of Syria, is a crime against all humanity. We stand with the people of Syria and are in solidarity with them. It is crucial for the people of Syria to remain united against the aggressors and enemies of Syria, and to thwart their provocations. We had previously sent our personnel to Syria to serve in the operations center to combat ISIS. A structure will be established where regional countries can jointly fight against the ISIS terrorist organization. We will continue to cooperate with all our strength to end the scourge of terrorism in Syria, just as we do in our country. The Syrian government will not allow those who seek to create instability and plunge Syria back into chaos. We will also provide them with the necessary support in this regard."
In response to questions regarding the latest status of the PKK terrorist organization's disarmament process, ministry sources stated, "The disarmament and dissolution process of the separatist terrorist organization PKK is being managed and monitored with great care by our state's relevant institutions. Our Turkish Armed Forces continue to make every effort to successfully complete the process without compromising the security of our country."
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