Türkiye expands air defence in Adana with additional Patriot system

Türkiye is expanding its air defence network in the southern province of Adana, adding an additional Patriot missile system to bolster existing NATO assets, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence said.

Speaking at a briefing at the 10th Main Air Base in Incirlik, Vice Admiral and ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk said the Spanish-made Patriot system already deployed in Adana would be reinforced by another Patriot battery provided by NATO Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

Aktürk said the move followed a recent security incident involving a ballistic missile launched from Iran. He stated that on March 13, a missile entered Turkish airspace and was destroyed by NATO air defence assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He added that Türkiye was maintaining contacts with relevant countries to fully clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and that all necessary measures were being taken decisively to safeguard national security.

Aktürk also underscored what he described as the high level of discipline and determination demonstrated by the Turkish Armed Forces in ongoing security operations.

By Sabina Mammadli