16.04.2026 13:36
The Ministry of National Defense, drawing attention to the Russia-Ukraine war and the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran, confirmed the claims that new commando brigades will be established. In the statement made, it was said: 'It is planned that the new commando brigades to be established will be organized with a modern understanding, in accordance with current threat assessments and operational concepts, unlike existing organizational structures.'
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) shared strategic decisions regarding the future vision of the Turkish Armed Forces with the public during the weekly press briefing. In light of the experiences gained from the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, the Ministry announced that new commando brigades will be established in accordance with modern operational concepts.
"THE NEW COMMANDO BRIGADES TO BE ESTABLISHED..."
A statement on the matter said, "Our Ministry closely monitors the changes occurring in the nature of warfare and technology. In this context, our Turkish Armed Forces are continuously updating their organizational structure in line with the experiences and needs gained following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Within this framework, studies have been initiated to increase the number of commando brigades. It is planned that the new commando brigades to be established will be organized with a modern understanding, in accordance with current threat assessments and operational concepts, differing from existing organizational structures."
CONDOLENCES FOR KAHRAMANMARAŞ
The Ministry of National Defense Weekly Press Briefing was held at the Rectorate Campus of the National Defense University (MSÜ). Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Press and Public Relations Advisor of the MSB, who made statements at the meeting, provided assessments on the agenda. Rear Admiral Aktürk conveyed his condolences regarding the attack in Kahramanmaraş, stating, "We pray to God for mercy for our children and our devoted teacher who lost their lives in the heinous attack that took place yesterday in Kahramanmaraş and plunged our country into deep sorrow, and we wish a speedy recovery to our wounded."
CALL TO YOUTH
Emphasizing that the National Defense University trains qualified personnel for the Turkish Armed Forces, Rear Admiral Aktürk said, "Our National Defense University strengthens the power of our Turkish Armed Forces by training the leading personnel of our land, naval, and air forces who will effectively use the advanced technology systems of our domestic and national defense industry, and invites all our young people who wish to join this honorable march."
84 THOUSAND CANDIDATES MADE PREFERENCES
Providing information on student procurement activities, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated, "Within the scope of the 2026 National Defense University War Academies and Non-Commissioned Officer Vocational Schools Military Student Candidate Preference Procedures, approximately 84 thousand candidates have completed their preferences during the three-week process. The intense interest shown in our National Defense University is one of the most concrete indicators of our nation's trust in our Turkish Armed Forces."
Aktürk reminded that the preference procedures will end on April 24th, while stating that contracted IT personnel applications will start on April 17th and be completed on May 4th, and noted that the classification results for reserve officer/non-commissioned officer candidates and privates to be enlisted in the April, June, and July 2026 periods can be learned from the e-Government portal, military branches, and the MSB Mobile application starting from April 17th.
EXERCISES CONTINUE
Stating that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their training and exercise activities without interruption, Aktürk said that the command post phase of the EFES-2026 Exercise has been completed, and the actual phase will take place in İzmir between April 20th and May 21st.
MISSION CONTINUES IN SOMALIA
Providing information about the TSK's maritime missions in Somalia, Aktürk said, "TCG Gaziantep, TCG Bayraktar, TCG Bartın, and TCG Lt. Güngör Durmuş, along with the Çağrı Bey Drilling Ship and accompanying support vessels, reached Mogadishu/Somalia on April 9-10. Our TCG Gaziantep frigate and our TCG Lt. Güngör Durmuş fuel ship continue their escort and protection mission for the Çağrı Bey Drilling Ship off the coast of Somalia."