Guler: Akinci UAV finds Iranian helicopter crash site
Yasar Guler, Minister of National Defense, met with the forces’ commanders. Guler detailed the operation of the Akinci UAV, which located the crash site of the helicopter that resulted in the deaths of Iranian President Raisi and eight others.
A video teleconference meeting was held under the chairmanship of Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, with Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak, Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Commander of the Air Force General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Deputy Ministers Suay Alpay and Alpaslan Kavaklioglu, and commanders of units within the country and across the border.
“My condolences to the people of Iran.”
Minister Yasar Guler, made the following remarks:
“My dear comrades-in-arms and colleagues, I greet you all with love and respect. I am pleased to see that you and our comrades are performing your duties with dedication. We celebrated May 19, the Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day, with various activities across our country. On this occasion, we once again commemorate with gratitude and respect our eternal Commander-in-Chief, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and our heroes of the National Struggle, as well as our martyrs and veterans who have passed away.
My brave comrades-in-arms, at the beginning of my remarks, I would like to express my condolences for the tragic accident on Sunday, in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, along with other Iranian politicians, bureaucrats, and citizens, lost their lives. May Allah have mercy on them, and I offer my deepest condolences to the people of the friendly and brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran and their grieving families.”
Explaining Akinci’s Journey to Iran
Following the receipt of the news of the incident and the request from the Iranian authorities for a night-vision-capable helicopter, preparations were made. In this context, it was evaluated that the Akinci UAV could be more useful under the existing conditions. Following our president’s approval and the consent of Iranian officials, the unarmed Akinci UAV took off from Batman at 23:30 and entered Iranian airspace at 00:12. During the scans conducted in the relevant area, visual contact was first made at 02:36, and the detected heat source was shared with Iranian authorities.
“Wreckage Located at 05:50”
At 5:50, it was reported that the wreckage had been reached following contact with Iranian officials. Our Akinci UAV, which successfully completed its mission, re-entered Turkish airspace at 06:45. I congratulate all my comrades who acted quickly and performed their duties with outstanding success, while maintaining close cooperation and coordination with our Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian authorities. I salute each of them.
“Our Army’s effectiveness in exercises is increasing.”
With a glorious history exceeding 2,200 years, our Armed Forces, with their discipline, capability, courage, and compassion, are among the strongest armies in the world. Our determination in the fight against terrorism, within the framework of our new security concept, neutralizes threats at their source before they reach our borders. Our fight against all kinds of threats and dangers, especially PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, ISIS, and FETO terrorist organizations, continues successfully with increasing pressure and intensity.
In addition, with the growing number and scope of exercises each year, we aim to enhance peace and stability in our region, especially with our neighbors, and to develop mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation. Through planned exercises we conducted recently, such as the International Anatolian Phoenix and Sea Wolf Exercises, we have observed an increase in the effectiveness of our heroic army in the air and at sea.
The comprehensive conduct of the Efes-2024 Exercise began on April 25, 2024. Beyond the traditional exercise concept, the Efes Exercise employs a professional approach that mirrors the multi-dimensional and complex current security environment, preparing for potential crisis scenarios in both global and regional arenas.
Participation in the exercise, where ways of dealing with global and regional challenges are developed and the ability to work with friendly and allied countries is enhanced, is increasing daily. Thus, the Efes Exercise has become the “largest combined joint exercise” conducted in the region.
The EFES Exercise will involve participation from 50 countries and over 11,000 personnel.
Two years ago, 37 countries participated in the exercise. This year, we anticipate 50 countries and approximately 11,000 personnel to participate, with our President expected to attend the Distinguished Observer Day on May 29–30. I sincerely believe that you will demonstrate an outstanding performance at the Efes Exercise, which is one of the most important and suitable platforms to showcase the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces to domestic and international audiences. On this occasion, I wish all my comrades-in-arms success in their duties and salute each of you.”
