Breaking News... Critical statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding the UAV that washed ashore in Ordu

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor for the Ministry of National Defense, made statements regarding current developments during the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry.

UAV FOUND ON THE ORDU COAST

The Ministry of National Defense shared details regarding the unmanned aerial vehicle found on the beach in the Ünye district of Ordu. The statement reported that following the detection of a UAV on the Ünye coast on February 10, 2026, a SAS (Underwater Defense) team was dispatched to the region on February 11. It was stated that the UAV, which was determined to contain no explosives and is assessed to belong to Russia, has been handed over to the Ünye Police Department for examination.

SDF-DAMASCUS AGREEMENT IN SYRIA UNDER MONITORING

Touching upon developments in Syria, the Ministry of National Defense announced that the implementation process of the agreement signed between the Syrian Government and the SDF on January 30 continues to be closely monitored on the ground.

RESPONSE TO SHIP SALE CLAIMS

During the meeting, a statement was made regarding the ship sale claims that appeared in the press. It was stated that the Turkish Armed Forces closely monitor regional and global developments, and that the procurement of platforms and systems is planned in line with defense and security needs. It was emphasized that shipbuilding activities, which prioritize the needs of the Naval Forces, are carried out in coordination with the Presidency of Defense Industries.

In this context, information was shared that the construction of 39 ships is currently underway in shipyards. It was noted that a memorandum of understanding covering the construction of two Istanbul-class frigates was signed between TAIS Shipyards and the Qatar-based Barzan Holdings at the DIMDEX-2026 Fair held in Qatar. However, it was stated that this memorandum is not a definitive agreement and does not contain binding provisions regarding the construction and delivery schedule of the ships, and that the claims in the press do not reflect the truth.

LATEST STATUS IN BORDER SECURITY

Figures regarding the efforts carried out within the scope of border security were also announced. It was reported that as part of measures to prevent illegal crossings, 146 people, including 7 members of terrorist organizations, were apprehended while attempting to cross the borders illegally, while 2,089 people were prevented from crossing. It was stated that the number of people apprehended throughout the year has reached 790, and the number of those prevented has reached 7,979. Additionally, it was announced that 155 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and sweep operations conducted along the Van border line.

TB3 UAVS IN THE BALTIC SEA

The Ministry of National Defense also shared information regarding NATO activities. While recalling that Turkey's NATO membership will reach its 74th year on February 18, it was reported that the Turkish Armed Forces are participating in Steadfast Dart 2026, NATO's most comprehensive exercise in 2026, with approximately 2,000 personnel. It was stated that firing exercises with TB3 unmanned aerial vehicles will be conducted in the Baltic Sea on February 17-18 as part of the exercise.

It was noted that during the exercise process, the Anatolian Turkish Maritime Task Group visited the ports of Emden and Kiel, and that the Chief of General Staff and the Commander of the Land Forces are planned to attend the Distinguished Observer Day.

CONTACTS WITH GREECE AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Within the framework of bilateral military relations, it was reported that the signing process of the Military Framework Agreement between Turkey and the Republic of Ecuador was completed on February 5. It was announced that the 13th Turkey-Republic of Korea Land Forces Cooperation Meeting was held in Turkey between February 8-13, and that a delegation from the Naval Forces Command is planned to attend a meeting in Athens on February 17-19 within the scope of Confidence Building Measures between Turkey and Greece.

STATEMENT ON GAZA AND THE WEST BANK

Making assessments regarding Gaza, the Ministry of National Defense announced that it condemns the new legal and administrative regulations of Israel, which is stated to continue its ceasefire violations, towards the West Bank. It was stated that these decisions are a violation of international law and will harm efforts for a two-state solution. It was emphasized that support for the Palestinian people's right to have an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, will continue.

NEW SYSTEMS ENTERING THE INVENTORY

Finally, it was reported that the inspection and acceptance processes for various quantities of Missile Launch Systems and Full-Round Missiles under the Hisar-A Project by the Land Forces Command have been completed and they have been taken into the inventory. It was also announced that the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) signed memoranda of understanding for cooperation in the field of defense industry with various companies within the scope of the World Defence Show 2026 held in Riyadh.