Türkiye on high alert during Iran’s missile attack on Israel
Turkish F-16 attack aircraft and KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft flew during TEKNOFEST 2024. (Eren Bozkurt/Anadolu Agency)
Türkiye was on high alert during Iran’s missile attack on Israel, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving constant updates. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) convened an emergency meeting as radar systems tracked the incoming missiles.
Türkiye’s airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft ensured the security of Turkish airspace, while data from the Kurecik NATO radar base in Malatya was thoroughly analyzed.
Kurecik radar data analyzed during missile strike
The NATO radar base in Kurecik, Malatya, played a crucial role in tracking Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Data obtained from the radar, which is operated by the Turkish Armed Forces, was shared only with NATO allies in accordance with NATO procedures.
The base, established in 2011, serves as an early warning system for ballistic missile threats and is restricted from sharing its information outside of NATO’s 31 member states.
Erdogan briefed, military leaders convene
At the time of the attack, President Erdogan was in a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who was on an official visit to Türkiye. Erdogan was briefed minute by minute on the situation.
Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak received news of the attack while attending a reception for the opening of the Turkish Parliament and immediately left the event with top military leaders to convene at General Staff headquarters.
The team closely monitored developments using Kurecik’s early warning radar data.
AWACS aircraft ensure security of Turkish airspace
Turkish Air Force deployed its AWACS aircraft to secure the country’s airspace during the incident. These aircraft, which are equipped with advanced radar and identification systems, scanned the region for potential threats.
The Turkish fleet consists of four AWACS planes, capable of monitoring airspace up to 400 kilometers beyond Türkiye’s borders when all are operational.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense remained vigilant throughout the incident, with Kurecik’s radar data playing a key role in monitoring the missile trajectories and ensuring national security.
