Consecutive critical statements from the Ministry of National Defense: Patriot air defense system begins duty

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made important statements regarding the agenda during the weekly press briefing held at the Land Forces Command. Many topics were addressed at the meeting, ranging from the fight against terrorism to border security, and from the Cyprus issue to developments in the Middle East.

LAND FORCES' 2235TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED

Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that the Land Forces Command, with its deep-rooted heritage extending from Mete Han to Sultan Alparslan, and from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is one of the most effective and deterrent military forces in the world.

Aktürk celebrated the 2235th anniversary of the Land Forces and commemorated all martyrs and veterans, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, with mercy and gratitude.

7 TERRORISTS SURRENDERED IN THE LAST WEEK

Providing information on counter-terrorism activities, Aktürk announced that 7 PKK terrorists had surrendered to security forces in the last week.

He stated that efforts to detect and destroy mines, improvised explosive devices, caves, shelters, and hideouts in operational areas are continuing without interruption.

434 PEOPLE APPREHENDED AT BORDERS

Sharing data on border security activities, Aktürk reported that 434 people, including 4 members of terrorist organizations, were apprehended at the borders in the last week.

Stating that the number of people apprehended while trying to cross the border illegally since January 1 has reached 4,968, Aktürk announced that, including the 985 people prevented, the total number of people whose passage across the borders has been blocked this year is 39,290.

Additionally, it was shared that 55 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and sweep activities carried out on the Hakkâri border line in the last week.

Aktürk announced that within the scope of the 2026 Confidence-Building Measures Implementation Plan, the Aksaz Naval Base Commander will visit the Greece Souda Naval Base Commander between June 30 and July 2.

Furthermore, he stated that the 4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander is planned to visit the Greece 31st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander on July 1-2.

“ISRAEL IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO RECONCILIATION EFFORTS”

Making assessments regarding developments in the Middle East, Aktürk expressed that they welcomed the agreement reached between the USA and Iran.

However, drawing attention to Israel's statements regarding continuing its occupation in southern Lebanon, Aktürk stated that Israel continues its aggressive stance in the region and made the following assessment:

"Israel continues to be the biggest obstacle to reconciliation efforts."

Aktürk also stated that the international community should take a more decisive stance against Israel's policies.

In the Ministry's statement, it was reported that the inspection and acceptance procedures for various quantities of TAYFUN Block-2 missiles, weapon carrier vehicles, Karayel-hulled boat systems, and natural disaster rescue vehicles and equipment by the Land Forces Command have been completed.

It was also announced that test firings of the 7.62-millimeter fragment anti-drone ammunition developed by the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) were successfully carried out.

It was stated that the ammunition in question is aimed at contributing to the personnel's air defense capability against mini and micro unmanned aerial vehicles and kamikaze drones.

MSU MILITARY STUDENT RECRUITMENT BEGINS ON JULY 14

Providing information on personnel and military student recruitment processes, Aktürk announced that the 2026 National Defense University (MSU) military student recruitment selection phase activities will be held between July 14 and August 7.

CYPRUS MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE

The Ministry also made a statement regarding allegations in the Greek press that a new plan would be prepared for the Cyprus issue by the Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General.

The statement indicated that a permanent, fair, and sustainable solution on the Island would only be possible with a two-state solution model based on the confirmation of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Ministry of National Defense statement included the following expressions:

"Our country's position on the resolution of the Cyprus issue is clear, distinct, and has not changed. Any initiative that ignores the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people and aims to disrupt the current delicate balance on the Island is unacceptable to Turkey."

The statement also emphasized that the security of the TRNC is the security of Turkey, and stated that Turkey will continue to be the guarantor of peace and stability on the Island in its capacity as a guarantor state.

GERMAN PATRIOT SYSTEM REPLACES US SYSTEM IN KÜRECİK

Questions regarding the deployment of a German-owned Patriot air defense system to the Kürecik region of Malatya were also answered at the meeting.

In the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated that a German Patriot air defense system was deployed to Kürecik to strengthen the alliance's air defense within the scope of the NATO Standing Defense Plan.

The statement noted that the system in question took over the duty from the US Patriot air defense system stationed in the same region on June 24, 2026.

The Ministry also provided information regarding the procurement process of C-130J transport aircraft.

The statement indicated that according to the current planning, it is aimed for two C-130J aircraft to join the Turkish Armed Forces inventory by the end of the year, and the remaining aircraft will be delivered gradually within the framework of the determined program.

ANATOLIAN EAGLE EXERCISE REVISED

The Ministry of National Defense announced that the International Anatolian Eagle-2026 Training, which was planned to be held between June 22 and July 3, has been revised taking into account current geopolitical developments and the NATO Summit to be held in Turkey on July 7-8.

According to the statement, the activity is being carried out as the "3-Way Eagle Exercise" with the participation of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Egypt.

It was reported that Azerbaijan is participating in the exercise with two SU-25 fighter jets, and Egypt with five F-16 fighter jets.

News Source: 12punto