Turkey reportedly said on Monday that NATO air defence systems intercepted a second ballistic missile fired from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace, warning that Ankara would take all necessary steps against threats to its territory.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence said in a statement that the missile was shot down by NATO defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. Parts of the missile reportedly fell in the southeast of Gaziantep Province, but no casualties were reported.
“We once again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that all parties should heed Turkey’s warnings to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
As per reports, a second time in the past week, a ballistic missile launched from Iran had entered Turkish airspace and been intercepted. Ankara had earlier warned Tehran against further such incidents.
It was not immediately clear where the missile was originally headed before being intercepted.
Turkey reportedly hosts several strategic facilities linked to NATO operations, including the Incirlik Air Base, where United States Air Force units are stationed, and a NATO early-warning radar installation in Malatya Province. Officials said fragments from the intercepted missile landed in empty fields in Gaziantep, located between the two facilities.
Burhanettin Duran, communications director to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reportedly said Ankara was reiterating its warning to all parties, particularly Iran, to avoid steps that could endanger regional stability and civilians.
As per reports, Turkey has also said that United States forces stationed at Incirlik had not been involved in recent air operations against Iran carried out alongside Israel, which prompted missile and drone attacks by Tehran.
Iran did not immediately comment on the latest incident. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly said the country is not at war with regional states and is not intentionally targeting Turkey.
Ankara had previously attempted to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran before the recent escalation in hostilities. Turkish authorities have also indicated that they do not currently plan to invoke NATO Article 4, which allows member states to request consultations if they feel threatened.
Invoking Article 4 could potentially lead to discussions around NATO Article 5, under which alliance members are obligated to defend a member state that comes under attack.
Turkey possesses NATO’s second-largest military and has expanded its defence industry in recent years. However, analysts note that the country still relies significantly on NATO’s integrated air defence systems for protection against ballistic missile threats.
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