Dialogos

Turkey Deploys Second Patriot System, Dismisses Cyprus NOTAM

Published March 18, 2026, 12:02
Turkey Deploys Second Patriot System, Dismisses Cyprus NOTAM

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Adana, following a NATO assignment, aiming to strengthen the security of Turkish airspace. This move comes after the interception of a ballistic projectile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. Simultaneously, Turkey dismissed a NOTAM issued by the Republic of Cyprus regarding military exercises in Cypriot territorial waters as "invalid and unfounded," claiming that the "TRNC" has issued a counter-NOTAM nullifying it. Turkey accuses the Republic of Cyprus of turning Cyprus into a target through arms accumulation and assures it will continue to take measures to protect the "TRNC" and the entire island, invoking its role as a guarantor power. Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated that contacts with Iran are ongoing to clarify the incident with the ballistic projectile. Ankara claims to be taking all necessary measures to counter potential threats and closely monitoring developments in the region. The deployment of the second Patriot system in Adana is part of a broader effort to enhance Turkey's air defense, during a period of increased regional tension. Turkey has repeatedly expressed concerns about potential threats from neighboring countries and has proceeded with upgrades to its military equipment. The dispute with the Republic of Cyprus regarding military exercises and the validity of NOTAMs highlights the ongoing tension in relations between Turkey and Cyprus, particularly regarding the status of Cyprus and the rights of the "TRNC".