Ankara, March 10 (SANA) NATO has deployed a Patriot missile defense system in Türkiye’s southern province of Malatya to strengthen the country’s air defenses amid rising regional tensions, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry said the deployment was part of coordination between Türkiye and its NATO allies to reinforce protection of the country’s airspace.
“In light of recent developments in the region, necessary measures are being taken to secure Türkiye’s borders and airspace,” the ministry said in a statement on its official website, adding that consultations with NATO and allied countries are ongoing.
According to the statement, NATO has stepped up its air and missile defense measures in support of Türkiye. The Patriot system deployed in Malatya is intended to enhance the protection of Turkish airspace alongside national defense systems.
The ministry stressed that Türkiye maintains its defense and security capabilities at a high level and will continue to assess regional developments in coordination with NATO and its allies while working to maintain regional peace and stability.
The announcement came a day after the Turkish Defense Ministry said NATO air defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace.
Debris from the missile fell in an open area near the southern city of Gaziantep, the ministry said, adding that no casualties were reported.
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