- Türkiye says NATO air and missile defense systems intercepted a ballistic munition launched from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace.
- Warning sirens were heard near Incirlik Air Base following the incident, the second interception of an Iranian ballistic missile approaching Turkish territory within five days.
The Ministry of National Defense of Türkiye confirmed on March 13, that a ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The announcement comes amid rising missile activity linked to Iran and follows an earlier interception reported just days ago, when NATO air defenses shot down another ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace.
According to the ministry’s press release, the incoming projectile had crossed into Turkish airspace before allied missile defense systems intercepted it.
“A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the ministry said.
Officials added that the situation is under review and diplomatic consultations are ongoing.
“All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace. Consultations are being conducted with the relevant country to clarify all aspects of the incident.”
The ministry also stated that security authorities continue monitoring developments across the region.
“All developments in the region are being closely monitored and assessed with national security as the foremost priority.”
Shortly after the interception, warning sirens were reported at Incirlik Air Base, a key NATO installation hosting Turkish and allied forces, including U.S. troops.
According to Anadolu Agency, sirens were heard early Friday morning at the base near the southeastern Turkish city of Adana. There was no immediate official confirmation linking the alarm to a specific missile threat.
The incident occurred four days after NATO air defenses shot down another ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace, making it the second such interception in less than a week.
Residents in Adana, located roughly 10 kilometers (six miles) from the base, reported hearing the sirens at approximately 3:25 a.m. local time.
The Ekonomim business news website reported that the warning sirens sounded for around five minutes, waking many residents across the city. Several people posted mobile phone footage on social media showing a glowing object moving across the night sky. The images suggested the possibility of a missile heading toward the airbase, though authorities have not confirmed the nature of the object captured in the recordings.
According to Ekonomim, sirens from fire engines and security services could also be heard across parts of the city for an extended period following the initial alarm.
Incirlik Air Base is one of NATO’s most strategically important facilities in the region. Located in southern Türkiye, the base supports allied air operations and logistics activities across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The installation has long hosted Turkish and NATO forces and serves as a key hub for surveillance, reconnaissance, and air operations.
Ballistic missile defense assets positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean are designed to intercept missile threats approaching NATO territory. These systems rely on a network of radar sensors, tracking systems, and interceptor missiles capable of engaging ballistic threats at high speeds.
Once a missile launch is detected, tracking data is transmitted through NATO’s integrated command network, allowing interceptor systems to calculate a trajectory and engage the target before it reaches its intended destination.
Interceptors are designed to collide with incoming missiles at extremely high velocities, destroying them either in the upper atmosphere or in space depending on the system used.