By Murat Yıldız
On October 22, 2026, Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense rejected European Union (EU) and Greek objections to its 2019 maritime agreement with Libya. Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives had approved the memorandum two days earlier.
The weekly briefing, presented by Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk at a military airfield in Ankara's Temelli district, also covered the Mecca and Badr agreements, a command for forces abroad, Qatar Eurofighter talks and new missile deliveries.
Ankara Rejects EU and Greek Objections to Libya Pact
In answers to reporters, the ministry said the maritime delimitation memorandum complied with international law and principles of equity. It argued that assessments by third parties could not invalidate the agreement.
The Libyan vote reversed the eastern legislature's previous opposition. Ankara welcomed the decision, thanked Libyan officials and restated its support for a unified Libya.
The EU's October 21 statement maintained that the memorandum could not create legal consequences for third states. Greece separately raised its objections at the UN Security Council during closed consultations. The council adopted no resolution on the agreement.
Ankara Cites Mecca and Badr Alongside Libya Pact
Asked about Türkiye's international defense partnerships, the ministry cited the Libya memorandum alongside the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement and the Badr Memorandum of Understanding. The three instruments cover different matters: maritime jurisdiction, mutual defense and defense-industry cooperation.
Türkiye signed the Mecca agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on August 7. A bill seeking parliamentary approval was formally registered on October 21. Its published provisions require ratification by all three countries before entry into force. At its October 15 briefing, the ministry said sending Turkish troops to Saudi Arabia would require parliamentary approval of the treaty and separate authorization for deployment.
Türkiye Confirms Overseas Command Covering Cyprus
Türkiye's General Staff established the International Joint Strategic Command (Uluslararası Müşterek Stratejik Komutanlık, UMSK) in August 2026 to improve the command and control of units serving abroad. The ministry expressly included the Turkish Peace Force Command in Cyprus (Kıbrıs Türk Barış Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı) in its remit.
Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç heads the command. The October 22 disclosure included no announcement of additional overseas deployments.
Badr Agreement Focuses on Joint Production and Supply Chains
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding in Doha on October 21. The ministry said the four countries aim to develop joint defense projects and production capacity, with cooperation in research and development, infrastructure and supply chains.
No specific production contracts or implementation timetable were announced.
Qatar Eurofighter Talks Await Draft Sales Contract
Türkiye is waiting for Qatar to send a draft sales contract and training program for Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. Delegations met in August and September to discuss the aircraft and munitions package, training for pilots and maintenance crews, and technical and logistical support.
The ministry announced neither a final aircraft number nor a delivery schedule.
TAYFUN Block 2 Enters Inventory; SİPER Tested in Sinop
The Land Forces received an unspecified number of TAYFUN Block 2 missiles and Fırtına-2 self-propelled howitzers during the week. The Air Force conducted SİPER air-defense firings at Sinop on October 21, which the ministry described as successful.
Two HÜRKUŞ-II aircraft are planned to enter the Air Force inventory after inspection and acceptance. The ministry did not say that process had been completed.
NATO Exercises and Unmanned Naval Systems
Türkiye's National Unmanned Maritime Systems 2026 (TURNAs) exercise runs from October 19 to 27 off Antalya and in the Eastern Mediterranean. It tests Turkish and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-compatible unmanned systems at sea, including their ability to operate with crewed platforms. A distinguished visitors event is planned for October 25.
Turkish forces are also participating in Bold Adra in Bulgaria, Mare Aperto in Italy and Sarmis in Romania. The minehunter TCG Akçakoca, serving with NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 2, is visiting Volos, Greece, on October 21–23. Italian and Spanish NATO ships are scheduled to visit Aksaz on October 24–28.
Türkiye's chief of general staff visited France on October 19 and received the commander of NATO's Joint Force Command Brunssum on October 20.
Military Drone Competition Brings 32 Countries to Ankara
The Land Forces are hosting the International Best Military Drone Team Competition in Temelli from October 19 to 25. Thirty-two countries are participating, 18 as competitors and 14 as observers. Türkiye has entered five teams, with the final round and awards ceremony scheduled for October 24.
Ministry Reports Increase in 2027 Defense Budget Allocation
The ministry said its 2027 budget allocation had increased but gave no amount or percentage. Spending priorities include air defense, the KAAN fighter program, unmanned aircraft, shipbuilding, and space and cyber capabilities.
Sources: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of National Defense, Council of the European Union, Reuters, Bosphorus News review and reporting.