The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) issued a statement regarding the approval by the Libyan House of Representatives of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Delimitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas, which was signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019.
Following its weekly press briefing, the Ministry responded to questions on current issues, providing assessments on the Libya memorandum, statements by EU and Greek representatives, defense industry cooperation, the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Qatar, the new command structure, and the 2027 defense budget.
In its statement, the MSB noted that the approval of the memorandum, which was signed between Turkey and Libya and is currently in force, by the Libyan House of Representatives on October 20, 2026, was welcomed. The Ministry stated that this decision “confirms the validity of the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on the basis of international law and principles of equity,” and strengthens the strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas falls within the sovereign rights of the relevant coastal states, and the legal validity of the aforementioned Memorandum of Understanding cannot be eliminated by the unilateral assessments of third parties.
The statement emphasized that Turkey will continue to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of international law. The Ministry expressed that Turkey will continue to contribute to the strengthening of regional peace, security, and stability.
DEFENSE COOPERATION AND THE EUROFIGHTER PROCESS
The MSB also touched upon the Badr Memorandum of Understanding signed between Turkey, Qatar, Indonesia, and Pakistan in Doha on October 21. It was noted that the memorandum aims to implement joint projects in the defense industry, increase R&D activities, strengthen infrastructure and supply chains, and develop joint production capacity.
The Ministry announced that efforts are ongoing regarding the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Qatar to meet the needs of the Air Force Command. It was reported that the inter-delegation meetings held in August and September addressed the scope of aircraft and ammunition, training for pilots and maintenance personnel, and technical and logistical support. It was stated that the draft training program and sales contract are expected to be sent to Turkey by Qatar.
The MSB also announced that the International Joint Strategic Command (UMSK) was established within the General Staff in August 2026 to increase efficiency in the management and administration of the Turkish Armed Forces' units and elements abroad, and that Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç has been appointed to lead the command.
Regarding the 2027 defense budget, attention was drawn to the importance of meeting the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and developing defense capabilities due to developments in the region and the changing security environment. The Ministry stated that systems and platforms to be developed with domestic and national resources in the fields of land, sea, air, space, and cyber operations are among the priorities.
News Source: 12punto
