Türkiye calls for international action against Israel, hosts NATO in 2026

Türkiye's National Defense Ministry has called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take decisive steps against Israel's actions, which it states threaten regional peace and stability. Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk, during a weekly briefing on Thursday, condemned Israel's continued aggression in the West Bank and Jerusalem and its "expansionist policies" in Syria and Lebanon. He also emphasized the urgent need for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and full implementation of ceasefire conditions as essential for broader regional stability.

Ankara Set to Host Major NATO Events in 2026

Akturk highlighted Türkiye's pivotal role within NATO, announcing that Ankara will host the alliance's Leaders' Summit in July 2026. The summit program will include a Defense Industry Forum and a meeting of defense ministers. Additionally, Türkiye will host the NATO Communicators Conference in Istanbul in September 2026 and the NATO EDGE technology conference in Izmir that November. These events are portrayed as a reflection of Türkiye's "active diplomacy and prominent global role" within the alliance it joined in 1952.

Advances in Indigenous Defense Technology

The briefing showcased significant advancements in Türkiye's domestic defense industry. Akturk highlighted a world-first achievement on November 29, when the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter jet successfully destroyed an airborne target over the Black Sea using a domestically produced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile guided by a national AESA radar. He also noted that the state-owned Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) had been listed among the world's top 100 defense companies for the first time, marking a milestone for the sector.

Ongoing Military Engagements and Export Success

Akturk reported that the Turkish Armed Forces are actively participating in NATO exercises, including a command-post exercise in Poland. He also confirmed the signing of a contract with Romania for the export of a corvette, a landmark deal as the first warship sale to a NATO and EU member, and announced progress on major national naval projects, including the TF-2000 destroyer and the first national submarine (MILDEN). These accomplishments, he stated, are clear indicators of the high level achieved by Türkiye's national defense sector.