Breaking News... Statement from the Ministry of National Defense on maritime jurisdiction

Ministry of National Defense (MSB) Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk made important statements regarding border security, defense cooperation, and exercises during his weekly press conference.

During the press conference, Aktürk reported that caves and shelters in operational areas were identified and destroyed, and that mines and improvised explosive devices were neutralized. Stating that a total of 258 people, including one member of a terrorist organization, were apprehended at the border line within one week, Aktürk pointed out that the number of those attempting to cross illegally since the beginning of the year has risen to 2,944. The number of people prevented from crossing since the beginning of the year was announced as 29,194 in total.

Touching upon developments in the defense industry, Aktürk said that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler held twenty-two bilateral meetings and signed new military cooperation agreements at the SAHA-2026 Fair held in Istanbul. He also added that Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu paid an official visit to Portugal.

NEW SYSTEMS HIGHLIGHTED IN EFES-2026 EXERCISE

Referring to the EFES-2026 Exercise, which will last from April 20 to May 21 under the management of the Aegean Army Command, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that more than 10 thousand military personnel from 50 countries participated. It was stated that 50 different weapons and systems were used for the first time within the scope of the exercise, and that air assault operations and combined unit parade training were carried out in the Kartal camp area, along with a multinational flag jump activity. Furthermore, it was reported that a special Defense Industry Exhibition, where domestic and national defense industry products will be displayed, will be held on May 20-21.

Aktürk announced that the Air Force Command has added various quantities of Akıncı Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to its inventory. On the other hand, it was emphasized that 300 representatives from defense industry companies and universities came together within the scope of the “Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Workshop.”

Touching upon the 107th anniversary of the National Struggle, Aktürk announced that 30 ships belonging to the Naval Forces will be opened to public visits in 22 ports on the occasion of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, and that demonstration flights and military concerts abroad will be organized in various cities as part of the celebrations.

NEW STEP IN DEFENSE WITH BELGIUM

Regarding the meetings held between Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that the will for mutual cooperation in the fields of defense and foreign trade has been strengthened. It was reported that as a result of the meetings, a Letter of Intent regarding the advancement of defense and security cooperation between the two countries was signed.

LEGAL REGULATION CONTINUES IN MARITIME JURISDICTION AREAS

In the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated: “The Maritime Jurisdiction Areas Law study aims to clarify the authorities and responsibilities in our seas within domestic law. Our Ministry has contributed at the military, technical, academic, and legal levels; final evaluations on the prepared draft are continuing by the relevant institutions. Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue to protect the rights and interests of our country in maritime jurisdiction areas with determination and resolve, as always.”

News Source: 12punto