Türkiye’s most classified security document set for update in 2025

Turkish authorities are in the final stages of updating Türkiye’s most classified national security document, commonly known as the "red book".

The National Security Council (MGK) initiated the process earlier this year, gathering input from various ministries and relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive update, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

After collecting and evaluating the insights, a confidential meeting took place earlier this month to finalize the proposed amendments. This high-security meeting was chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who oversaw a meticulous review of the document. Strict security measures were in place during the session, with participants’ mobile phones and smartwatches being confiscated to ensure privacy and prevent leaks.

The update process has now reached its final phase, and the revised "red book" is expected to be presented at the next MGK meeting, which will be chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The document is crucial for Türkiye's national security, outlining strategic principles related to defence, internal security, and external affairs, as determined by the MGK. It is regularly updated to reflect the evolving security landscape, with the last review conducted on September 30, 2019.

Vice President Yılmaz provided additional details during his remarks in parliament, in the context of discussions on the 2025 budget. He described the "red book" as an intricate and high-calibre document, emphasizing its importance in shaping Türkiye's security policy.

Yılmaz confirmed that, with the MGK's approval, the updated National Security Policy Document will be formalized and is expected to guide the operations of Türkiye’s institutions starting in 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova