Rear Admiral Aktürk spoke at the weekly press briefing held at the Ministry.
Stating that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) continues its fight against terrorism, protecting the borders, and ensuring the defense and security of the country on land, at sea and in the air, Aktürk said:
"In this context, 2 more PKK terrorists surrendered last week, 477 people were caught at our borders, the number of people caught trying to cross our borders illegally since January 1st was 13 thousand 843, and together with the 981 people blocked, the number of people blocked this year reached 54 thousand 851. On the other hand, in the search and screening activity carried out on the Van border line this week, approximately 60 kilograms of drugs were found." The item was seized."
Aktürk stated that the Turkish Armed Forces continues to contribute to the establishment of peace and maintenance of stability in a wide geography, within the scope of international duties and bilateral relations.
Reminding that the Commandership of the Kosovo Peace Force (KFOR), which Türkiye assumed for the second time on October 3, 2025 and fulfilled with full impartiality and transparency required by international responsibility, in accordance with NATO and United Nations decisions, was transferred to Italy with the handover ceremony attended by the Chief of General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, on October 14, Aktürk said, "It is important for the security of KFOR, as well as NATO and the Euro-Atlantic region, today and in the future, as it was in the past." and we will continue to make decisive contributions.” he said.
Aktürk informed that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler will receive Polish Chief of General Staff, General Wieslaw Kukula, today.
Israel
Pointing out that Israel, which has endangered the security and stability of the region as of October 2023 within the scope of the developments in the Middle East, continues its massacres and provocative rhetoric today, Aktürk continued as follows:
"The number of Palestinians who lost their lives and were forced to be evicted from their homes and dormitories is increasing day by day due to Israel's inhumane attacks. We emphasize once again that the international community must take a more determined stance against Israel in order not to ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people and to end Israel's attacks that exceed its limits, disregard human values and keep our region in chaos. We also thank those who lost their lives in the Houthi attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia." "We wish God's mercy and a speedy recovery to the injured. These attacks, which target civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians and are a clear violation of international and humanitarian law, cause further escalation of tension in the region and must end as soon as possible."
Training and exercise activities
Rear Admiral Aktürk said that the Turkish Armed Forces continues its training and exercise activities uninterruptedly in order to maintain its high level of readiness.
Giving information about the drills, Aktürk gave the following information:
"Steadfast Duel held in Italy, England and Norway, On Guard Command Post exercises held in Istanbul today, Nusret-2026 conducted in Izmir Bay and Karadeniz Ereğli, Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm conducted in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Carpathian Arc Collective Defense conducted in Romania and Multinational Mine Operation conducted in the Republic of Korea. Warfare Exercise) exercises will end tomorrow, and the Mare Aperto-2026 Exercise held in Italy will end on October 25. The Martyr Infantry Contracted Private Cebrail Dündar Yıldırım Mobilization exercise, which will be held at our 70th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Command stationed in Mardin, will be held today in Muğla. Türkiye-Azerbaijan Underwater Attack (SAT) and Underwater Defense. (SAS)-2026, National Unmanned Naval Systems-2026 to be held in Antalya, Sarmis Commando Operation to be held in Romania and Turkey-Uzbekistan Joint Computer Aided Command Post exercises on 19 October, and Martyr Marine Infantry Specialist Sergeant Muhammed Fatih Durhan Yıldırım Mobilization Exercise to be carried out at our 1st Amphibious Marine Infantry Brigade Command located in Izmir on 21 October. It will start in October."
Aktürk stated that in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the participating countries, develop the culture of common work and increase cooperation opportunities for innovative technologies in the military field, the 'International Best Military Flying Team Competition (BIMDTC 2026)' will be held in Ankara on 19-25 October with the participation of 31 countries, 21 of which are competitors and 10 of which are observers.
Stating that the Neptune Strike 26-4 Activity will be carried out in the North Sea, Adriatic and Ionian Sea between 16-21 October within the scope of NATO's Enhanced Vigilance Activities, Aktürk noted that the Anatolian Task Group, which will include TCG Anadolu, TCG Gaziantep frigate and TCG Gür submarine, will participate in the activity.
Aktürk stated that the "Media and Distinguished Observer Day" of the activity in question will be held on October 19, in the Gulf of Taranto, on the TCG Anatolian Multi-Purpose Amphibious Ship.
Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that a concert will be held in Ankara on October 19 within the scope of the October 29 Republic Day celebrations by the Azerbaijani Band, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Security Forces Band, Mehteran Unit Command and Harmony Band Command.
defense industry
Stating that the efforts to increase the facilities and capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces with domestic and national defense industry products are continuing, Aktürk said, "In this context, the inspection and acceptance activities of the SUNGUR Missile and its trigger assembly and the Medium Range Anti-Tank (OMTAS) Missile were completed by our Land Forces Command in various amounts last week, and SOM-B1T and SOM-AT ammunition were taken into inventory by our Air Forces Command." he said.
Aktürk stated that the deliveries of Electric Armored Personnel Carrier (E-ZPT) to the Land Forces Command and 155 millimeter long-range howitzer ammunition to the defense industry stakeholders were successfully completed by MKE, and said, "On the other hand, the 100th anniversary ceremony of our Gölcük Shipyard Command was held on October 14, with our Naval Forces Commander, Deputy Minister Mr. Salih Ayhan, Kocaeli Governor, our Naval Commander and Gölcük Shipyard Commandership. "It was carried out with the participation of our Shipyard Commander." he said.
Student and staff supply
Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that personnel and military student procurement activities continue in accordance with the planned schedule and said, "Applications for the Supply of Active Officer Candidates for the Medical and Dentist Class Contracted/Active Officers and Specially Qualified Physical Education Teacher Class for the year 2026 and the Supply of Active Officer Candidates for the Teacher/Engineer Class for the National Defense University are due on October 20, and the applications for the Supply of Active Officer Candidates for the Medical and Dentist Class for the year 2026 will be submitted to the Turkish Armed Forces from Faculty or College Graduates with a Term of At least Four Years Term." "Applications for the 2026 Active Duty Officer Candidate Supply and the 2026 Naval Class Active Officer Candidate Supply to the Naval Forces Command will continue until November 2." shared his knowledge.
Q&A
Regarding F-35 procurement and CAATSA sanctions, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) said, "As we have stated before, our expectation is to remove all direct or indirect restrictions on our defense industry through CAATSA sanctions that are incompatible with the spirit of alliance." expressions were used.
In response to the question regarding the process regarding the military forces and capabilities that can be provided by Turkey to Saudi Arabia within the scope of the Mecca Defense Alliance, the Ministry said, "It will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution and relevant legislation. In this context, the agreement must be approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the necessary authorization processes for sending the Turkish Armed Forces abroad must be completed." statement was made.
It was stated that the principles regarding the scope of the contribution that can be provided will be determined in line with the evaluations to be made by the relevant authorities and the agreement between the parties, taking into account the needs and demands of Saudi Arabia, developments in the field and operational needs.
F-35 procurement and CAATSA sanctions
It was stated that contacts regarding the delivery of 6 F-35 warplanes produced for Türkiye are continuing with the US authorities.
The following statements were made by the Ministry regarding the subject:
"As we have stated before, our expectation is to remove all direct or indirect restrictions on our defense industry through CAATSA sanctions, which are incompatible with the spirit of alliance. We expect the process to result positively in line with our alliance relations and mutual interests."
C-130J supply
It was stated that the 12 C-130J aircraft supplied from England in order to meet the operational needs of the Air Forces Command will make a significant contribution to the air transport capability of the Turkish Armed Forces with their increased carrying capacity.
In the statement, it was stated that the maintenance, renovation and modification operations of the aircraft were carried out by the manufacturer in England, and the following was noted:
"The activities in question are monitored and controlled by our authorized Air Force Command personnel. After the aircraft are included in the inventory, flight, maintenance and repair activities will be carried out with our own means and capabilities. In this context, the training of our pilots, flight crew, maintenance personnel and engineers is planned to be completed by the end of 2026, and the first two aircraft are planned to be delivered in December 2026."
