The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) made statements about the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), border security, international military cooperation and developments in the defense industry at its weekly press briefing.
Following the meeting held by the Ministry Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, at the Martyr Journalist Hasan Tahsin Press Information Hall, journalists' questions were also answered.
At the meeting, details of the investigation into the incident in which a soldier was martyred as a result of fire believed to have come from the Iranian border in Hakkari's Yüksekova district were shared.
MSB reminded that, in the incident that took place in the Engin Mine Border Post responsibility area on the Turkey-Iran border on October 31, 2026, Infantry Contract Private Yusuf Sait Ünlü, who intervened in the illegal border crossing, was martyred.
It was stated that the soldier lost his life as a result of fire thought to have come from Iran, and it was announced that a judicial and administrative investigation was launched following the incident. The Ministry reported that a meeting was held with Iranian officials at the scene on November 3 as part of the investigation.
The following statements were included in the statement: "It has been learned that a judicial and administrative investigation has been initiated by the Iranian authorities in order to clarify the incident in question. Efforts to clarify all aspects of the incident are continuing meticulously in coordination with the Iranian authorities."
MSB also expressed its condolences to the family of martyr Yusuf Sait Ünlü and the Turkish Armed Forces.
Sharing data on the Turkish Armed Forces' border security activities, Aktürk announced that 6 PKK members surrendered in the last week. Stating that operations to prevent illegal crossings at the borders are continuing, Aktürk announced that 665 people, including 8 members of a terrorist organization, were caught in the last week. It was reported that 1,766 people were prevented from crossing the border in the same period.
Thus, the number of people caught in illegal border crossing attempts since the beginning of the year reached 15 thousand 294, and the number of those prevented from crossing reached 59 thousand 621.
The Ministry reported that cooperation between Türkiye and Iraq in the field of defense and security continues. Evaluating the Iraqi administration's establishment of new police stations and checkpoints in the border regions, the Ministry of National Defense stated that it welcomed these efforts. The statement said, "We welcome the activities of establishing and strengthening police stations and checkpoints on Iraq's border lines."
Referring to the developments in the defense industry, Aktürk announced that domestically produced weapons and aircraft continue to be added to the Turkish Armed Forces inventory. In this context, it was stated that the inspection and acceptance procedures of various TAYFUN Block-2 missiles produced for the Land Forces Command were completed. It was reported that 2 HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft were included in the Air Force Command.
It was announced that the "Sea of Friendship-2026 Exercise" between Türkiye and Egypt was held in Alexandria between 4-9 November. It was reported that TCG Anadolu, TCG Gaziantep frigate and TCG Meltem assault boat from the Turkish Naval Forces participated in the exercise.
Ministry of Defense announced that the "Blue Whale-2026 Exercise" will be held in the Eastern Mediterranean between 9-20 November. It was announced that, within the scope of the exercise, warships from the Spanish and Greek navies will make port visits to Aksaz between 7-13 November.
It was reported that military contacts continue within the scope of the Confidence Building Measures Implementation Plan carried out between Türkiye and Greece. In this context, it was announced that the Greek Tactical Air Force Commander and his accompanying delegation visited the Combat Air Force Commander between 3-5 November.
Providing information about the international military activities of the Turkish Armed Forces, Aktürk reminded that the defense ministers and chiefs of general staff of Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania met in Bulgaria on October 28. Stating that Türkiye's activities within the scope of NATO continue, Aktürk stated that the "Crossed Swords" exercises in Estonia and the "National Anatolian Phoenix Personnel Rescue" exercises in Konya will end on November 6.
As part of the 10 November Commemoration of Atatürk Day, SOLOTÜRK will make a respect flight over Anıtkabir.
Ministry of National Defense announced that applications for the 2026 Band Class Active Duty Petty Officer Candidate Supply and Active Duty Petty Officer Candidate Supply will continue until November 23.
