Ministry of National Defense announces: Number of commando brigades in the Turkish Armed Forces is being increased

In the briefing regarding the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces, it was emphasized that operations carried out within the country and across the border as part of the fight against terrorism are being conducted with determination by land, naval, and air elements.

According to the statement, with the surrender of 8 more PKK terrorists, the number of organization members who have surrendered since January 1 has reached 75. It was reported that land search and scanning activities, as well as efforts to detect caves, shelters, and bunkers, and to destroy mines and improvised explosive devices, are continuing across the border.

Within the scope of activities carried out in Syrian operation areas, it was noted that with the 4-kilometer tunnel destroyed in Manbij, the total length of destroyed tunnels has reached 772 kilometers (Tel Rifaat: 302, Manbij: 470).

INTENSIVE BORDER CONTROLS

In the statement, which noted that border security is provided at the highest level on a 24/7 basis, it was stated that 270 suspects, including 17 members of terrorist organizations, were apprehended in the last week. It was reported that the number of people caught while trying to cross illegally since January 1 has reached 2,092.

It was conveyed that the total number of people prevented from crossing, including the 2,625 people prevented this year, is 22,617. Additionally, it was stated that a total of 167 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and scanning activities carried out on the Hakkari, Van, and Igdir border lines during the week.

MESSAGE ON THE MIDDLE EAST

In the statement, which also included assessments regarding developments in the Middle East, it was emphasized that support will continue to be provided for the temporary ceasefire to turn into a permanent peace. It was hoped that the war, which has increasing regional and global effects, would be ended as soon as possible and that the parties would be constructive in the negotiation process.

Regarding Israel's attacks, the following statements were made:

"The attacks in Lebanon are not only harmful to Lebanon's territorial integrity but also damage the stability and peace of the region, and disrupt the ongoing negotiation process. While we welcome the initiation of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, we state that Israel's attacks, which are incompatible with the spirit of negotiation, are the biggest obstacle to achieving positive results."

NEW SYSTEMS ADDED TO INVENTORY

It was reported that the Fırtına-2 howitzer and the Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle have been added to the Land Forces Command inventory, and that the ASELSAN-produced ACAR 300-G Land and UAV Surveillance Radar has also been delivered.

Within the scope of the $1.5 billion investment program covering the 2023-2027 period of the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), it was stated that production capacity will be increased, particularly for 155 mm howitzer ammunition, the 76 mm Denizhan National Naval Gun, artillery and 2.75-inch rockets, and mortar ammunition. It was noted that strategic explosives such as nitrocellulose, gunpowder, and rocket propellants will be produced at the Hüseyin Kahya Energetic Materials Factory to be established in Kırıkkale, and that concentrated nitric acid and solid TNT production will be carried out for the first time. It was stated that these investments aim to end foreign dependency on explosive raw materials.

MINISTER GÜLER IN QATAR

It was reported that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler paid an official visit to Qatar on April 13-14, 2026. It was stated that Güler, who conducted inspections and examinations at the Qatar-Turkey Combined Joint Force Command as part of his contacts in Doha, met with the Turkish soldiers serving in the region.

It was stated that bilateral and regional issues were discussed during the meetings held with the Emir, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of Qatar as part of the visit; the effects of the war between Israel-USA and Iran on the region were evaluated, and opportunities for defense industry cooperation were discussed. It was also noted that the latest status regarding the Eurofighter jets planned to be procured from Qatar was reviewed.

NUMBER OF COMMANDO BRIGADES IS BEING INCREASED

The statement noted that the Turkish Armed Forces is updating its organizational structure in light of experiences gained following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the attacks by the US and Israel against Iran.

In this context, it was reported that efforts to increase the number of commando brigades have been initiated. The statement included the following: "Within this framework, efforts to increase the number of commando brigades have been launched. It is planned that the new commando brigades to be established will be organized with a modern approach, distinct from existing organizational structures, in accordance with current threat assessments and operational concepts."