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Turkish fighter jets conduct patrol flights along Iran border amid war

Turkish Air Force F-16 aircraft on a runway whose location and time have not been disclosed. (Photo via X/@tcsavunma)
By IHA
March 06, 2026 11:45 AM GMT+03:00

Turkish Air Force (TurAF) fighter jets are conducting patrol flights along Türkiye's border with Iran as the war between the United States and Iran continues, with aircraft observed flying over the border region near the Yuksekova district of Hakkari province.

Aircraft were observed flying at regular intervals along the border line as part of ongoing operations.

No official statement has been issued regarding the flights. Local sources in the region said they have been hearing continuous aircraft sounds along the border and described the situation as calm.

Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets are conducting patrol flights along Türkiye's border with Iran. (IHA Photo)
Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets are conducting patrol flights along Türkiye's border with Iran. (IHA Photo)

Türkiye heightens border vigilance as regional conflict expands

The patrol flights come as Türkiye has taken several steps to protect its sovereignty amid the rapidly expanding Middle East conflict.

Earlier this week, NATO air and missile defense elements in the Eastern Mediterranean intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile that was heading toward Turkish airspace after crossing Iraqi and Syrian airspace. Interceptor debris fell in Hatay province's Dortyol district with no casualties.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to protest the missile incident and urged Tehran to refrain from actions that could spread the conflict.

Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense said every step necessary for the defense of Turkish territory and airspace would be taken "with determination and without hesitation," reserving the right to respond to any hostile act.

The border patrols reflect Ankara's heightened security posture as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, launched on Feb. 28, continues into its sixth day.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.

The conflict has drawn in 12 countries across the Middle East, with strikes reported in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, and Israel.

March 06, 2026 11:45 AM GMT+03:00
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