Turkish Defense Ministry discusses F-35 process, Syria’s new government at press briefing

Sources from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD) addressed a range of critical defense issues during a press briefing, including the potential return to the F-35 procurement process if CATSAA sanctions are lifted and ongoing cooperation with Syria’s new government.

F-35 procurement process and CATSAA sanctions

Turkish MoD sources emphasized that, should the CATSAA sanctions against Türkiye be lifted, there could be a renewed focus on the F-35 procurement process.

The sources noted that they had previously stated and continue to advocate that, if the sanctions are removed, the defense cooperation between Türkiye and the United States would likely see a significant boost.

“If CATSAA sanctions are lifted, the resumption of the F-35 procurement process will be considered, and we anticipate an acceleration in defense, industry, and security cooperation with the United States,” MoD sources said.

These comments come amid ongoing discussions between Turkish officials and the U.S., particularly following a phone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The potential lifting of sanctions remains a key topic in diplomatic conversations.

Türkiye’s role in Syria’s security and stabilization efforts

On the situation in Syria, Ministry of Defense sources provided updates on Türkiye’s continued involvement in stabilizing the region.

They referred to a meeting held on March 9, 2025, in Jordan with the participation of Türkiye, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The ministers of these countries discussed supporting Syria’s fight against terrorism, particularly the threat posed by Daesh.

“In line with the requests of Syria’s new government and agreements with relevant states, a joint operations center is being established. Work continues in this regard. Maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and establishing state authority across Syria are of great importance to Türkiye,” the sources stated.

Türkiye’s efforts to support Syria’s new government involve a planned training base to increase the capacity of the Syrian military.

MoD sources emphasized that all activities in Syria are coordinated with relevant parties, and necessary security measures are being implemented.

Response to Greek military slogans

When asked about Greek soldiers chanting Turkophobic slogans during a recent military march, Turkish MoD sources expressed disapproval, stating that such actions violated unwritten military codes of conduct.

“Military discipline and ethics, both written and unwritten, prohibit actions like those seen in Greece. The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) is known for its discipline, morality, and compassion. Such behavior is not characteristic of our armed forces, and it never will be,” MoD sources said.

A military parade held on 25 March in Athens to commemorate Greece’s National Day has sparked controversy after participants were heard chanting slogans deemed offensive to Türkiye.

Eyewitnesses reported that some parade participants chanted slogans such as “Cyprus is Greek,” accompanied by other offensive remarks targeting Türkiye, such as “Cyprus is Greek, f… Türkiye,” during the national parade. Meanwhile, a comment under a social media post featuring the parade video expressed strong criticism of the participants, stating, “If some honorable prosecutor came out, he would gather you to the military court from the lieutenant commander to the chief of general staff.”

The Greek navy has initiated a disciplinary investigation after Turkophobic slogans were chanted during a military parade held on March 25, commemorating Greece’s Independence Day.

Recently, Türkiye formally requested an explanation from Greece on Tuesday regarding slogans shouted by some Greek army personnel during a military parade in Athens​​​​​​​, describing them as “impertinent.”

Turkish Foreign Ministry sources familiar with the matter, the incident was deemed an unacceptable attempt to undermine Turkish-Greek relations.

Developments in grain corridor and humanitarian efforts

Regarding the Grain Corridor initiative, MoD sources commented that Türkiye is ready to play an active role in combating the global food crisis and contributing to peace efforts.

While discussions about restarting the Grain Corridor are ongoing, no official decision has been made yet.

“Türkiye is prepared to do whatever is necessary to contribute to global and regional peace and to address the food crisis,” the sources added.

Continued security operations and border security

In ongoing security operations, Turkish MoD sources provided an update on Türkiye’s efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in northern Iraq and Syria.

They reported that 14 terrorists had been eliminated in the past week, bringing the total number of terrorists eliminated since January 1, 2025, to 537. The military also reported significant weapon and ammunition seizures during operations in northern Iraq.

“Our operations in the fight against terrorism continue with success. We have also seen an increase in the number of terrorists surrendering, including three members of the PKK last week,” MoD sources added.

Border security efforts were also discussed, with MoD sources noting that 77 individuals, including three members of terrorist organizations, were detained last week.

Since the beginning of the year, 1,163 individuals attempting illegal border crossings have been apprehended.