12.03.2026 12:20
After the ballistic missiles directed from Iran to Turkey were destroyed by the NATO system, the question "Why wasn't the S-400 used?" came to the fore. The Ministry of National Defense made a statement regarding the issue. In the statement, it was said, "When a ballistic missile is detected, due to the very short intervention time, the system automatically selects the most suitable and fastest interception tool and fires."
The Ministry of National Defense made a statement regarding the air defense activities against ballistic missiles directed from Iran to Turkey.
The ministry stated that Turkey's air and missile defense is carried out within a multi-layered system.
"THE FASTEST INTERCEPTION TOOL IS AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED"
The statement included the following expressions: "Our country's air and missile defense activities are conducted within a multi-layered structure in line with threat assessments and operational needs. In this context, the most suitable defense element is determined by considering the engagement rules and the current operational situation. Turkey is part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense system. This system consists of early warning sensors, a command control system, and intercept missiles. When a ballistic missile is detected, due to the very short intervention time, the system automatically selects and fires the most suitable and fastest interception tool. The most appropriate and effective defense elements have been activated to successfully destroy the ammunition directed at our country."
MISSILE PARTS HAD FALLEN IN HATAY AND GAZIANTEP
During the ongoing retaliatory attacks by Iran against U.S. and Israeli targets, some missiles directed towards Turkish airspace were destroyed. On March 4, 2026, an Iranian missile directed towards Turkish airspace was destroyed in the air, and its parts fell in Hatay.
During the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran, missile parts that were assessed to have been destroyed in the air also fell into an empty land in the Güneyşehir neighborhood of Şahinbey district in Gaziantep. There were no casualties or injuries in the incident, while gendarmerie teams dispatched to the area took extensive security measures.
Following the developments, Iran's ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Turkey's reactions and concerns were conveyed.