NATO air defence systems have destroyed a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace on Monday, prompting Turkey to issue a stern warning that it will take decisive measures against any threats to its territory.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry confirmed the interception, marking the second time in one week that Iranian missiles have targeted Turkish airspace. Turkey, which shares a border with Iran, is a member of NATO.
The ministry warned that Turkey would respond without hesitation to any future violations.
“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. We also reiterate that it is in everyone’s interest to heed Turkey’s warnings in this regard,” the ministry stated.
Naija News gathered that NATO defence systems stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea destroyed the missile before it could reach its intended target, though officials did not disclose where the missile was heading.
According to reports, debris from the intercepted missile fell in empty fields in Gaziantep province in southeastern Turkey, causing no casualties or damage, authorities say.
American Forces Operate From Turkish Military Base
The United States Air Force operates from the Incirlik base in southern Turkey, while NATO operates a crucial radar installation in Malatya province to the northeast that provides early warning protection for alliance members.
According to reports, debris from the intercepted missile fell in empty fields in Gaziantep province, which sits roughly between the two strategic installations in southeastern Turkey, causing no casualties or damage, authorities say.
President Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, emphasised that Ankara was reinforcing its warnings to all parties, specifically naming Iran, to stop actions that threaten regional stability and endanger civilians.
Turkish officials have stressed that Washington has not used the Incirlik base for the ongoing US-Israeli air campaign against Iran, which triggered Tehran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.
Iran Denies Targeting Turkey
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities did not immediately respond to the incident on Monday. Tehran has, however, consistently maintained that it is not at war with neighbouring countries and does not intentionally target Turkey.
Ankara had warned Tehran on Saturday to halt missile attacks after the first incident last week, though Turkey has not requested formal NATO assistance or invoked alliance consultation mechanisms.
Turkish officials have stated that they do not currently intend to invoke NATO’s Article 4, which allows member states to request consultations when they feel threatened.
Activating Article 4 could lead to the invocation of Article 5, NATO’s collective defence provision that requires all alliance members to defend an attacked member state.
Turkey, which maintains the second-largest military force in NATO, has emerged as a major player in the global defence industry in recent years. Despite these advances, Turkey still relies on NATO air defence systems for protection, as it has not yet developed comprehensive independent air defence capabilities.
