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The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD) held a press briefing at the Land Forces Command, where ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk and other officials responded to press questions and outlined Türkiye's defense investment priorities, regional security concerns, and international cooperation efforts.
MoD officials stated that Türkiye is prioritizing investments in a layered air defense system, aiming to expand its 'Steel Dome' (Celik Kubbe) across the entire country.
"We plan to spread the layered air defense system nationwide by investing in our Steel Dome system as a priority," ministry sources said.
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They added that Türkiye is also investing in hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile systems, aircraft, naval platforms, unmanned land, sea, and air vehicles, next-generation aircraft carriers, and frigates.
Türkiye currently exceeds NATO’s 2% defense spending threshold and remains one of the top five troop contributors to NATO missions. "As a responsible and reliable NATO member, Türkiye fully meets all capability targets and continues to keep its armed forces ready in accordance with Article 3 of the Washington Treaty," the MoD sources added.
Addressing the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the Turkish MoD welcomed the development and emphasized the need for its full implementation.
"We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and expect it to be fully upheld. All disputes, including those regarding Iran’s nuclear program, must be resolved through political and diplomatic means," the ministry sources stated.
"Targeting nuclear facilities and the potential for radioactive leakage pose critical risks for regional countries," the sources added, reaffirming Ankara's commitment to maintaining open dialogue channels with all parties in line with international law and respect for sovereignty.
MoD spokesperson Rear Admiral Akturk stressed the importance of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
"Stability in the region can only be achieved through a lasting ceasefire and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state," he said, noting the urgency of uninterrupted humanitarian aid deliveries.
The Turkish ministry also strongly condemned the June 22 attack by terrorist organization Daesh on Mar Elias Church in the Dwel’a district of Damascus, Syria.
"We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. This heinous act by Daesh, targeting Syria’s social cohesion, is a crime against humanity," the MoD said.
Türkiye reiterated its solidarity with the Syrian people and confirmed it has already deployed personnel to operate within a joint operational center aimed at combating Daesh. Efforts will continue in collaboration with regional actors.
"All elements of Syrian society must unite against such provocations," the ministry said, underlining support for the Syrian government against destabilizing forces.
On questions regarding the disarmament of the PKK, the ministry said: "The disarmament and dissolution process of the PKK terrorist organization is being closely managed by relevant state institutions."
"The Turkish Armed Forces will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure national security without compromise," it's noted.
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