Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), spoke at the weekly press briefing held at Gölcük Shipyard Command, one of the well-established centers of Turkish maritime and defense industry.
Zeki Aktürk's statements are as follows:
FIGHT AGAINST TERROR
In the last week, 1 more PKK terrorist surrendered, and at our borders, where the fight against illegal crossings and smuggling continues uninterruptedly with the gradual security system and technology-supported measures, 660 people trying to cross illegally were caught and 1,383 people were prevented before crossing the border. Thus, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally during the year was 13 thousand 366, and the number of people prevented before crossing the border was 53 thousand 870. In addition, 517 kilograms (517,087 grams) of drugs were seized during the search and screening activity carried out on the Van border line this week.
On the other hand, on the 7th anniversary of Operation Peace Spring, which was launched on October 9, 2019, to ensure the security of our borders and our people and to prevent the terrorist corridor intended to be created in the south of our country; We commemorate our martyrs who fought at the cost of their lives with mercy and gratitude, and we express our respect and gratitude to our heroic veterans.
ISRAEL
Dear Members of the Press, within the scope of developments in the Middle East; Israel; It continues its aggressive stance that escalates tensions in the region with house raids, arbitrary detentions, land border violations and air/artillery fire in settlements in southern Syria. The resumption of trench digging and road widening activities within the scope of the "So-called Sufa-53 Line Project" is a clear violation of the "1974 Separation of Forces Agreement" and an indication that it continues its expansionist policies. In addition, turning a blind eye to the violations and provocations of Israeli illegal settlers and extremist Jews targeting holy places also escalates tensions in the region. We once again invite the international community to take concrete and decisive steps against these policies and actions of the Israeli Government that prevent peace and stability in the region.
Following the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry made statements in response to the questions of members of the press. The following statement was made by the Ministry:
ROAD MAP ON Türkiye-FRANCE DEFENSE COOPERATION
A Road Map was signed between Türkiye and France in order to develop relations in the field of defense and security on the basis of mutual interests and to give the existing cooperation a more institutional structure. Within the scope of the Road Map; It is envisaged to hold regular consultations on defense and security issues, combat hybrid threats, share intelligence, closer cooperation in the field of air defense and improve the interoperability of systems. In addition, it is planned to carry out training and capacity building activities in third countries in a coordinated manner that will contribute to regional stability.
In the military field; It is aimed to increase joint training activities, develop mutual personnel exchange programs between military academies, conduct joint training and exercises with the participation of land, sea and air elements through port visits.
It is aimed to develop joint projects and business opportunities in the field of defense industry, to encourage information and technology sharing, and to increase contacts between the defense industry organizations of the two countries. The Road Map aims to regularize contacts between the defense authorities of the two countries and institutionalize cooperation. In this context, the meetings are planned to be held alternately in Paris and Ankara, and the first meeting is planned to be held in the last quarter of 2026 by agreement of the parties. It is evaluated that the Road Map in question will contribute to providing a more institutional structure to the defense and security relations between the two countries, strengthening mutual trust and regional peace and stability.
MECCA DEFENSE ALLIANCE
The Mecca Defense Alliance Strategic Political and Defense Committee convened in Riyadh on October 5, 2026. At the meeting; Regional developments and collective defense measures were discussed, the initial structure of the Secretariat was determined, the framework for the development of defense industry cooperation was discussed and significant progress was made towards the institutionalization of the Alliance.
It has been decided to continue the work on other political, administrative, military and defense industry mechanisms in line with the agreement of the parties and the relevant national processes.
