Ministry of National Defense (MSB), Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spoke at the weekly press briefing held at Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters.

Aktürk said that the Ay Yıldız Headquarters, which was built to bring together the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff and the Force Commands in the same campus, is not only a modern military campus, but also a strategic vision project that reflects the joint operational capability of the Turkish Armed Forces, its institutional integration and its ability to adapt to the changing security environment. Stating that the headquarters is a concrete indicator of Türkiye’s strong will in the field of defense with its advanced technological infrastructure, modern command and control facilities and sustainable structure, Aktürk said, “It is also one of the most important symbols of the proactive defense and security approach that plans our country’s operational needs from today.” he said.

Aktürk thanked everyone who contributed, especially the Mass Housing Administration of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, which carries out the ongoing construction of the Ay Yıldız Headquarters project.

Expressing that the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in Ankara was held within the framework of a 360-degree security approach, Aktürk said, “It was a historic meeting where the current threats faced by the Alliance were comprehensively discussed and strategic decisions to strengthen the common deterrence and defense capacity were evaluated.” he said.

Aktürk emphasized that while the summit reinforced the solidarity between the allies, it also made significant contributions to the development of a common vision for the changing security environment and the strengthening of the common approach to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

Referring to the Defense Industry Forum held within the scope of the summit and the Defense Ministers’ Reception hosted by the Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Aktürk said:

“It has been instrumental in developing joint production and technology cooperation in the defense industry among the Allies, strengthening the understanding of common security, and demonstrating once again on the international platform the high technological competence, strong production capacity and innovative vision that Türkiye has achieved in the domestic and national defense industry. Turkey, with its strong army, developing domestic and national defense industry, effective defense diplomacy and multidimensional foreign policy approach carried out under the leadership of our President, contributes to the solution of crises, keeps dialogue channels open, and ensures regional and global peace and stability.” “In line with this understanding, our country will continue to contribute to international peace, security and stability as a reliable and responsible ally contributing to NATO’s deterrence and defense stance.”

BILATERAL MEETINGS

Reminding that Minister Güler attended the Defense Industry Working Dinner organized by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye and the US Chamber of Commerce on July 6, within the scope of the NATO Leaders Summit, Aktürk said:

“To the meeting held by our esteemed President with the Secretary General of NATO at the Presidential Complex, to the ‘Allies in Ankara’ program organized on July 7 in cooperation with the Presidential Communications Directorate, Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Foundation for Politics, Economics and Social Research (SETA), to the Defense Industry Forum and NATO Projects Promotion Ceremony held at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce Congress and Exhibition Center, esteemed esteemed “He attended the meeting held by our President with the President of the United States at the Presidential Complex, the reception held for guest defense ministers and high-level representatives of NATO at the Crescent and Star Joint Headquarters, and the Defense Ministers’ working dinner held at the Presidential Complex.”

Aktürk also said that Güler held bilateral and inter-delegation meetings with the Defense Ministers of various allied and partner countries within the framework of the summit.

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL SECURITY ISSUES WERE DISCUSSED

Stating that Güler exchanged views on the development of bilateral and military relations, cooperation opportunities in the field of defense and security, joint work in the field of defense industry, and regional and global security issues that stand out on the NATO agenda, Aktürk said:

“In this context, our Minister of Defense, who met with the Ministers of Defense of Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, Hungary and Canada, signed the Declaration of Intent on Defense Cooperation with his Canadian counterpart, and also received the CEO of BAE Systems. In addition, during his meeting with the Ministers of Defense of Romania and Bulgaria at the Presidential Complex, he explained the mission scope of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea) as a critical issue for three countries in the Black Sea. “On July 8, our Minister attended the summit sessions with our President and also attended our President’s meetings with the Presidents of France and Syria, and the Prime Ministers of Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.”

Aktürk stated that Güler will attend the “16th Term Joint Command and Staff Training” and “8th Term Command and Staff Training” graduation ceremonies to be held at the National Defense University tomorrow, with the participation of President Erdoğan.

FIGHT AGAINST TERROR

Aktürk emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces continue their determined fight against all kinds of threats and dangers to Türkiye’s survival and security.

Providing information about the work carried out within the scope of the operation, search and screening and border security activities carried out to establish permanent security, Aktürk said, “In the last week, 4 more PKK terrorists surrendered, and the work to detect and destroy mines, handmade explosives, caves, shelters and shelters in the operation areas continued.” he said.

Aktürk also stated that the installation of a 240-meter-long floating bridge over the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, was completed by the 2nd Army Engineer Brigade Command, and that the bridge will be put into service on July 10 after the control passes.

“TRAINING AND EXERCISE ACTIVITIES CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED”

Aktürk reported that 316 people were captured regarding border security, including 1 member of a terrorist organization.

Stating that the number of people caught trying to cross the border illegally has been 5 thousand 615 since January 1, Aktürk said, “With the 995 people blocked, the number of people blocked this year has reached 41 thousand 129. 109 kilograms of drugs were seized during the search and scanning activity on the Van border line during the week.” he said.

Aktürk said that national and international training and exercise activities continue uninterruptedly in order to make the Turkish Armed Forces more effective, deterrent and ready in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains.

In this context, reminding that the “Turkey-Azerbaijan-Egypt Triple Eagle Exercise”, which started in Konya on June 22, was completed successfully on July 3, Aktürk stated that they will participate in Breeze 2026, which will start in Bulgaria tomorrow, and Sea Breeze II exercises, which will be held in England between July 13-24.

Stating that TCG Oruçreis will make a port visit to Dublin, Ireland, on 18-22 July, at the end of the NATO Standing Naval Task Group-1 (SNMG-1) mission, Aktürk said, “It is planned that our Istanbul Shipyard Commander and Naval Air Commander will attend the welcome ceremony to be held in Romania on 10 July for CAm. August Roman, which was built at our Istanbul Shipyard Command and delivered to Romania on 20 June.” he said.

NEW WEAPON SYSTEMS IN THE INVENTORY

Aktürk emphasized that efforts to increase the opportunities and capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces with domestic and national defense industry products continue.

In this context, Aktürk stated that, by the Land Forces Command, various amounts of TB-3 UCAVs, 7.62 millimeter Infantry Rifles, weapon carrier vehicles and Electric Armored Personnel Carriers (E-ZPT) were completed and taken into the inventory.

“The acceptance activity of various amounts of SOM-B1T ammunition will be carried out by our Air Forces Command at ROKETSAN between 13-17 July. A contract was signed on 4 July for the export of the Air-Portable Light Towed Howitzer BORAN, developed by our Ministry’s Machinery and Chemical Industry Joint Stock Company with local and national resources, to Albania. With the projects implemented in the field of national software and technology, our Turkish Armed Forces will gain strength and “We already congratulate the 44th anniversary of HAVELSAN, which contributes to further increasing its effectiveness, and we wish success to all its employees who make valuable contributions to our country’s defense force.”

STUDENTS AND STAFF SUPPLY

Aktürk said that personnel and military student recruitment processes continue in accordance with the planned schedule.

In this context, Aktürk stated that the activities of the National Defense University “2026 Military Student Recruitment Selection Phase” will continue until August 7, and that the candidates who will participate in the selection phases can benefit from the dormitories determined by the Credit and Dormitories Institution between July 15 and August 31.

PAID MILITARY SERVICE WAS 472 THOUSAND 653 TL

Reminding that the “Financial and Social Rights” circular was published by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Aktürk said, “Accordingly, the paid military service amount has been 472 thousand 653 liras and 60 kuruş for the second six months of 2026. Application procedures for paid military service have started as of July 7, 2026.” he said.

Aktürk also wished God’s mercy to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland and flag by standing tall against the FETO armed terrorist organization, which targeted the will of the nation and democracy, on the upcoming “15 July Democracy and National Unity Day”, and wished a healthy life to the veterans.

A statement was made regarding the questions of the press members after the weekly press briefing held by the Ministry at the Ay Yıldız Joint Headquarters.

When asked about US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding CAATSA sanctions at the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, the Ministry said, “Turkey, as a strong and effective ally of NATO, continues to make significant contributions to the deterrence and common security of the Alliance. As we have stated before, our expectation is to remove all explicit or implicit restrictions on our defense industry through CAATSA sanctions that are incompatible with the spirit of alliance. In this context, the US “We welcome the statements made by the President, and we adopt an approach that favors strengthening mutual trust and solidarity with our allies rather than restrictions.” statement was made.

Members of the press also asked about Greek Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis’ statements that he opposed Türkiye’s possibility of purchasing F-35s.

In response to the questions, the Ministry said, “Our country is in favor of preserving peace and stability in our region and addressing current issues within the framework of constructive dialogue and good neighborly relations. In this context, we express once again that avoiding discourses that may increase tension will contribute positively to bilateral relations, and we remind once again that the Turkish Armed Forces are not a threat to anyone who does not pose a threat to them.” The answer was given.

Answering journalists’ questions in Beştepe after the NATO Summit, US President Trump made important statements. Trump said briefly:

THANKS ERDOĞAN
I thank President Erdoğan. He runs a very successful and good country. Erdogan has been a very good ally. It’s a very big country. It has a very powerful army. It is militarily very strong. He does a very good job. The airport was very nice. They built a new terminal for our arrival. He did a great job.

WE DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE IN IRAN
I also thank Rutte. It is not easy to lead so many leaders. I’m sorry the press couldn’t see those speaking. It’s too bad the press didn’t see what we were doing. We did what should have been done in Iran 47 years ago. We eliminated Iran’s military capacity in a few weeks. We have eliminated the runways at the airports. Their leaders were also eliminated. Missile launchers are few. Most of these were destroyed.

WE MADE THE BEST CONTRIBUTION TO NATO
The United States is by far the best contributor to NATO. They started to respect us. We had conversations about reaching the 5 percent target. Some gave in to the calls. Some will heed the calls. We will receive trillions of dollars for defense. You couldn’t see the respect and love in the room. They told me, ‘We love you.’ These are grown people. I call for them to reach 5 percent. This number should have been like this for years. The best defense companies make the best equipment. We should also produce for other countries. Instead of waiting 1-2 years, maybe we will wait 2 weeks and get it. Many people are waiting to buy their defense equipment. Europe and Canada spend this money on the USA. We received an investment of 19.2 trillion dollars. The previous administration could not receive such an investment. One of our best relations is with Türkiye. (F-35) The best aircraft in the world. Everyone wants it. We will talk about who we will give it to. He’s not a fan of Bibi, but he stayed out of the war. I haven’t fully decided, but my tendency is this way. He helped us in such a way. China also helped. They did not go to war. Because you know why, they respect our country.

IRAN CANNOT HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
The IRAN war is a huge success. Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. They have no ships left. They have no radar. You say this is not a success, but it is a great success. Fake news says how good Iran is doing, but they are in very bad shape. We even see the name of the person entering the facility. If someone goes to the facility, we will shoot them. If we hadn’t done this, they would have had nuclear weapons.

IT WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL SUMMIT
I met with many leaders at the summit. I met with President Erdoğan, Ukrainian leader Zelensky, and Syrian President Shara. Shara does a great job. In our conversation, it became very clear that the USA was back. There was love in the room. It was a very successful summit. I would like to thank President Erdoğan again. I thank many leaders and Secretary General Rutte.

TRUMP PREFERRED THE TURKISH FLAG
While country leaders carried their own country’s flags in their vehicles, Trump’s use of the Turkish flag drew attention.

I AM AT THE TOP OF IRAN’S LIST
I am first in IRAN’S killing list. But I don’t care. I’m doing my job. Air Force One will go to Europe. We’re sending it so he can see it with the military. (You are about to go to war with Iran again. What do you expect from your European allies?) They hit several ships. We hit harder. We have better equipment than them. Maybe we can hit it tonight too. We speak their language. What has happened will end quickly.

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER: NO WEAPONS TO UKRAINE
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said, “We continue humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but Hungary will not send weapons or soldiers to Ukraine.” ANKARA

MEETING MARATHON FROM ERDOĞAN

President Erdoğan had intense meetings with leaders within the scope of the NATO Summit. Erdoğan met with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On the other hand, Erdogan also held a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa. During the meeting with Meloni, Erdoğan stated that “Türkiye no longer wants to talk to the EU about removing the obstacles, but about removing the last obstacles to membership.”

AGREEMENT WITH ENGLAND

During the meeting between Erdoğan and Starmer, the two leaders signed the “Security and Defense Partnership Document”. In this context, the two countries will cooperate in a wide range of areas, from the defense industry to cyber security and the fight against terrorism.

AY YILDIZ HEADQUARTERS OPENED ITS DOORS

Crescent and Star Joint Headquarters, built in the capital, opened its doors for the first time for NATO Defense Ministers. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler gave a reception to his counterparts in the Yıldız section of the new Headquarters. Güler said, “This place is also a concrete symbol of Türkiye’s solid and determined stance in the field of defense and security.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan hosted a dinner at the Presidential Complex yesterday in honor of the leaders and their spouses who attended the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.
After the meal, Erdoğan presented the biographical study titled “The Politics of Courage: Erdoğan and the Rise of Turkey” prepared by the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Foundation to the leaders as a personal gift, along with a special letter bearing his signature.

Prepared in English with an international readership in mind, the work evaluates Türkiye’s recent political history, critical decision moments, difficulties encountered, reforms carried out and long-term goals, in the context of President Erdoğan’s political life.
The book discusses President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership journey and the political, social and institutional transformation that Türkiye has experienced in the last quarter century around the concept of “politics of courage”.

“THE WORK IS THE EXPRESSION OF THE HERITAGE WE LEAVE TO THE TOMORROW”

President Erdoğan included the following statements in his letter accompanying the work:

“History is not only the sum of the moments lived, but also the collective accumulation of the decisions that shaped those moments, the intense efforts and the vision built. This work is beyond a personal adventure, it is the expression of the dreams we have established together with our nation, the projects we have realized and the legacy we left to the future.”
This evaluation in the letter also reveals the basic approach of the book.

The work aims to go beyond the boundaries of an individual political biography and look at Türkiye’s recent history from the perspective of nation, leadership and common future.
In this respect, the study is a comprehensive source that explains the change Türkiye has experienced in recent years to the international public within its historical and social context.

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTION TO Türkiye’S MEMORY

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Foundation continues its activities in order to contribute to Türkiye’s recent political, social and institutional memory, to transfer this knowledge to future generations and to share it with the international public.
In this context, the Foundation carries out publications, research, archives, memory centers, libraries and museums.

The work carried out by the Foundation aims to systematically bring together documents, memories, testimonies and academic research regarding Türkiye’s recent history, and to record the country’s political and social transformation in a multifaceted manner.
The work titled “The Politics of Courage: Erdoğan and the Rise of Türkiye” stands out as one of the international works of this vision of memory and publishing.

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat shared a post on his social media account after the end of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit.

Bolat said, “Permanent impact in international relations is possible not only with military power or economic capacity, but also with the ability to build trust, foresighted leadership and a consistent state mind. Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has become one of the respected actors of global politics with its approach that combines multilateral diplomacy with a principled stance, keeps channels of dialogue open in times of deepening crises and prioritizes international legitimacy. The 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit will be held only in the geography where Türkiye is located.” “It has once again shown that it is a country whose word is respected not only on issues related to the future of global stability,” he said.

Some leaders read the developments, some leaders change the course of history.

Türkiye under the leadership of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan); not the object of crises, but the subject of the solution; He is not a follower of global balances, but one of the founding actors who inspire trust.… pic.twitter.com/GSLWXMGxAr

— Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat (@omerbolatTR) July 8, 2026

In his post on his social media account, Minister Fidan said, “The NATO Summit, which we hosted in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026, was successfully completed. The fact that all Allies attended this historic Summit at the leadership level is an indication of the trust in our country and our President. At the Summit, which was held in a critical period when intense discussions on the transformation of NATO continued, important issues on the agenda of Euro-Atlantic security were discussed in detail.

Within the framework of the NATO 3.0 vision, the foundations of a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO were laid. We would like to express our gratitude to our President for his strategic vision and strong leadership, which enabled our country to host the NATO Summit again after 22 years. We would like to thank NATO Secretary General Rutte and the Foreign Ministers of the Allied countries, with whom we worked closely during the preparations for the summit. “We hope that the NATO Ankara Summit will be beneficial for the peace and security of our country and all our Allies,” he said.

The NATO Summit, which we hosted in Ankara on 7-8 July 2026, was completed successfully.

The fact that all Allies attended this historic Summit at the leadership level is an indication of the trust in our country and our President.

Intense discussion on NATO’s transformation… pic.twitter.com/8bWkYZ3NPa

— Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) July 8, 2026