Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), spoke at the weekly press briefing held at the Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters.
Aktürk stated that the Ay Yıldız Headquarters, built to bring together the Ministry, the General Staff and the Force Commands on a single campus, is not just a modern military facility but also a strategic vision project reflecting the Turkish Armed Forces’ joint operational capability, institutional integration and ability to adapt to the changing security environment.
He noted that the headquarters, with its advanced technological infrastructure, contemporary command and control capabilities and sustainable design, is a concrete manifestation of Turkey's strong will in the field of defense, adding, 'At the same time, it is one of the most important symbols of a proactive defense and security approach that plans our country’s operational needs from today.'
Aktürk expressed gratitude first to the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, which is carrying out the Ay Yıldız Headquarters project, and to everyone who has contributed.
He remarked that the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara took place within the framework of a 360-degree security approach, saying, 'It was a historic gathering where current threats facing the Alliance were comprehensively addressed and strategic decisions aimed at strengthening common deterrence and defense capabilities were evaluated.'
Aktürk emphasized that the summit reinforced solidarity among Allies and significantly contributed to developing a common vision for the changing security environment and to consolidating a shared approach to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.
Referring to the Defense Industry Forum held on the sidelines of the summit and the Defense Ministers’ Reception hosted by Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Aktürk noted, 'It served to foster joint production and technology cooperation in the defense industry among Allies, to reinforce the common security concept, and to once again demonstrate on an international platform Turkey’s high technological competence, robust production capacity and innovative vision achieved in its domestic and national defense industry.'
Turkey, with its strong armed forces, developing domestic and national defense industry, effective defense diplomacy and the multidimensional foreign policy pursued under the leadership of our President, continues its constructive approach of contributing to the resolution of crises, keeping dialogue channels open, and supporting regional and global peace and stability.
In line with this understanding, our country will continue to contribute to international peace, security and stability as a reliable and responsible Ally that boosts NATO’s deterrence and defense posture.
Aktürk recalled that on July 6, on the margins of the NATO Leaders Summit, Minister Güler attended the Defense Industry Working Dinner organized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye and the US Chamber of Commerce, and he noted the following: 'Our President’s meeting with the NATO Secretary General at the Presidential Complex, the “Allies in Ankara” program held on July 7 in cooperation with the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), the Defense Industry Forum and NATO Projects Presentation Ceremony at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce Congress and Exhibition Center, our President’s meeting with the US President at the Presidential Complex, the reception for visiting defense ministers and senior NATO representatives at the Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters, and the Defense Ministers’ working dinner at the Presidential Complex were all attended.' Aktürk also said that Minister Güler held bilateral and inter-delegation talks with the Defense Ministers of various allied and partner countries on the sidelines of the summit.
Aktürk conveyed that Minister Güler exchanged views on developing bilateral and military relations, cooperation opportunities in defense and security, joint work in the defense industry, and regional and global security issues that stand out on NATO’s agenda, and he added: 'In this context, our Minister met with the Defense Ministers of Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, Hungary and Canada, signed a Declaration of Intent on Defense Cooperation with his Canadian counterpart, and also received the CEO of BAE Systems.'
Furthermore, at the meeting held with the Romanian and Bulgarian Defense Ministers at the Presidential Complex, an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding was signed that expands the mission scope of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea) to include the protection of the three countries' critical underwater infrastructure in the Black Sea.
On July 8, our Minister, who joined the summit sessions with our President, also participated in our President’s meetings with the Presidents of France and Syria and the Prime Ministers of Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Aktürk announced that tomorrow, Minister Güler will attend the graduation ceremonies for the 16th Term Joint Command and Staff Education and the 8th Term Command and Staff Education at the National Defense University with the participation of President Erdoğan.
Aktürk stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to resolutely fight against all threats and dangers to Turkey’s survival and security.
Providing information on operations, search-and-screening and border security activities conducted to establish lasting security, Aktürk said, 'In the past week, 4 more PKK terrorists surrendered, and efforts to detect and destroy mines and improvised explosive devices as well as caves, shelters and hideouts in the operation areas continued.'
Aktürk also stated that the 2nd Army Engineer Brigade Command completed the construction of a 240-meter floating bridge over the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, and that the bridge will open for service on July 10 after controlled passages are carried out. Aktürk reported that 316 people, including one terrorist organization member, were apprehended in relation to border security.
He noted that the number of people caught while attempting to cross borders illegally since January 1 has reached 5,615, and said, 'Including 995 individuals prevented, the total number of people blocked this year has reached 41,129. During search-and-screening activity on the Van border line this week, 109 kilograms of narcotics were seized.'
Aktürk stated that national and international training and exercise activities continue uninterruptedly to make the Turkish Armed Forces more effective, deterrent and ready in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains.
Recalling that the 'Triple Eagle Exercise' between Turkey, Azerbaijan and Egypt, which began in Konya on June 22, was successfully completed on July 3, Aktürk said that participation will be ensured in Breeze 2026, starting tomorrow in Bulgaria, and in Sea Breeze II, to be held in the United Kingdom on July 13-24.
Aktürk said that the TCG Oruçreis will conduct a port visit to Dublin, Ireland on July 18-22 at the end of its NATO Standing Maritime Group-1 (SNMG-1) mission, and added, 'The attendance of our Istanbul Shipyard Commander and our Naval Aviation Commander at the welcome ceremony for the CAm. August Roman, which was built at our Istanbul Shipyard Command and delivered to Romania on June 20, is planned for July 10 in Romania.'
Aktürk emphasized that efforts continue to increase the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces with domestic and national defense industry products.
He reported that the Land Forces Command’s inspection and acceptance activities for various quantities of TB-3 armed UAVs, 7.62 mm infantry rifles, weapon carrier vehicles and the Electric Armored Personnel Carrier (E-ZPT) have been completed and these items have been taken into inventory, and he noted: 'Our Air Force Command will carry out acceptance activities for various quantities of SOM-B1T munitions at ROKETSAN from July 13-17. A contract was signed on July 4 for the export of the Air-Transportable Light Towed Howitzer BORAN, developed with domestic and national means by our Ministry’s affiliate Machine and Chemical Industry Corporation, to Albania. We already celebrate the 44th anniversary of HAVELSAN, which contributes to further enhancing the strength and effectiveness of our Turkish Armed Forces with projects in national software and technology, and we wish success to all its employees who make valuable contributions to our country’s defense strength.'
Aktürk said that personnel and military student recruitment processes are continuing according to the planned schedule.
Noting that the National Defense University’s 2026 Military Student Recruitment Selection Phase activities will continue until August 7, Aktürk said that candidates participating in the selection stages will be able to use dormitories designated by the Credit and Dormitories Institution from July 15 to August 31.
Reminding that the Ministry of Treasury and Finance published a 'Financial and Social Rights' circular, Aktürk said, 'Accordingly, the paid military service fee for the second six months of 2026 has become 472,653 lira 60 kuruş. Paid military service application procedures started as of July 7, 2026.'
Aktürk also prayed for God’s mercy for the martyrs who stood tall against the FETÖ armed terrorist group that targeted the nation’s will and democracy and sacrificed their lives for the homeland and the flag, and wished good health for the veterans on the occasion of the upcoming July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.
Following the weekly press briefing held by the Ministry at the Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters, a statement was issued in response to reporters’ questions. When asked about US President Donald Trump’s remarks on CAATSA sanctions at the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Ministry stated: 'Turkey, as a strong and effective NATO Ally, continues to make significant contributions to the Alliance’s deterrence and common security. As we have previously stated, our expectation is the removal of CAATSA sanctions and all open or implicit restrictions on our defense industry, which are incompatible with the spirit of alliance. In this regard, we welcome the statements made by the US President and we adopt an approach that favors strengthening mutual trust and solidarity with our Allies rather than restrictions.'
Reporters also asked about Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s remarks opposing the possibility of Turkey acquiring the F-35. In response to the questions, the Ministry replied: 'Our country is in favor of preserving peace and stability in our region and addressing existing issues within the framework of constructive dialogue and good neighborly relations. In this context, we once again emphasize that avoiding rhetoric that could raise tensions would make a positive contribution to bilateral relations, and we remind that the Turkish Armed Forces are not a threat to anyone who does not pose a threat to them.'
