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Türkiye’s Defense Ministry announced Tuesday that a Patriot air defense system assigned to support the protection of the country’s airspace has been deployed in the eastern province of Malatya.
In a statement, the ministry said the deployment was part of broader air and missile defense measures being strengthened with NATO support.
“In addition to measures we have taken at the national level, air and missile defense measures have been increased by NATO. Within this framework, a Patriot system assigned to support the protection of our airspace is being deployed in Malatya,” the statement said.
“Within the scope of recent developments in our region, necessary measures are being taken for the security of our borders and airspace, and consultations are being held with NATO and our Allies,” it added.
The ministry stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces remain fully committed to protecting the country and its citizens.
“The determination of the Turkish Armed Forces to ensure security of our country and our citizens is absolute,” the statement said.
Türkiye maintains its defense and security capacity at the highest level and will continue evaluating developments in coordination with NATO and allied countries, the ministry added.
The deployment comes after a ballistic missile fired from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized Monday by NATO air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The incident marked the second such interception in less than a week, after another Iranian projectile was intercepted Wednesday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the second incident that Türkiye would take necessary measures to defend the country.
“Despite our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps continue to be taken that will jeopardise Türkiye’s friendship,” Erdogan said after a Cabinet meeting.
“Persistence and stubbornness in wrongdoing should be avoided.”
In a phone call with Erdogan late Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered to establish a joint investigation into what he described as allegations promoted by countries hostile to Iran.
According to Iranian officials, Pezeshkian said the United States and Israel were seeking to “sow discord” between Iran and its neighbors.
The call came after Türkiye summoned Iran’s ambassador over the missile incident, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources.
Also on Monday, Türkiye deployed six F-16 fighter jets to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a precautionary measure days after the island was hit by a drone attack.
Authorities in Nicosia said the Iranian-made drone was likely launched by Lebanon’s Hezbollah group rather than directly from Iran.
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