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Following Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, Türkiye immediately went on high alert. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was briefed on developments in real time, while Turkish radar systems tracked every Israeli move, Türkiye Daily reports. Türkiye’s Air Force swiftly deployed its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft to monitor the skies, effectively sealing off its airspace.
According to defense sources, the Turkish Armed Forces closely monitored the situation, including data from the Kurecik radar station in eastern Türkiye, which is equipped with early warning systems. The Ministry of National Defense also took precautionary measures in anticipation of potential escalation.
The Turkish Air Force operates four AWACS aircraft, named North, South, East and West. When deployed simultaneously, they provide aerial surveillance and command capabilities extending more than 400 kilometers beyond Türkiye’s borders.
These aircraft were launched without delay in response to the Israeli attack on Iran, underscoring Türkiye’s readiness to protect its airspace and monitor regional developments.
Data collected during the Israeli strikes from the NATO radar installation in Kurecik, located in Malatya province, was examined in detail. As per NATO protocols, intelligence from this radar—originally established to serve Türkiye’s national security—is shared only with allied nations.
In the aftermath of the Israeli strikes, speculation has grown about whether Iran might retaliate against American bases in the region, holding the U.S. partly responsible. While Türkiye hosts no independent U.S. military bases, American forces are stationed at NATO installations such as Incirlik Air Base. Reports indicate that U.S. bases across the Middle East have been placed on high alert for possible Iranian retaliation.
As Israeli strikes on Iran continued, Türkiye convened a high-level emergency security meeting in Ankara. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin, and Chief of General Staff Gen. Metin Gurak met for four hours to assess the situation.
After the meeting, Foreign Minister Fidan stated: “All relevant institutions are taking the necessary precautions in line with the directives of our President, based on potential scenarios that could impact our country. Israel must immediately abandon its strategy of destabilizing the region.”
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