Latest News from Turkey
Turkey unveils 6,000 km intercontinental ballistic missile at defence show
At the SAHA 2026 defence exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey introduced the Yildirimhan ICBM, which has a range of over 6,000 km and can reach much of Europe, Asia, and Africa, underscoring its growing long‑range strike capability as a NATO member . Defense Minister Yasar Guler was present at the unveiling, which was framed as part of Ankara’s push to become a major global defence supplier
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Roketsan reveals TAYFUN Block 4 long‑range ballistic missile
Roketsan publicly displayed the TAYFUN Block 4 ballistic missile for the first time at SAHA 2026, mounted on an 8×8 wheeled launcher, highlighting its status as the largest and most powerful variant in the TAYFUN family . The system marks a significant step in Turkey’s indigenous long‑range strike capabilities and has drawn attention for its size and mobility
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Turkish trade unionists acquitted after 14‑year trial
Fifteen women trade unionists from the public‑service federation KESK were acquitted by a Turkish court after a 14‑year legal battle following their 2012 arrest at an International Women’s Day planning meeting . Although the public prosecutor has appealed the verdict, the acquittal is being hailed as a major victory by union supporters and human‑rights advocates
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Turkey boosts arms‑export profile at SAHA 2026
SAHA 2026 in Istanbul served as a showcase for Turkey’s indigenous defence industry, with new missile systems such as the Yildirimhan and TAYFUN Block 4 underlining Ankara’s ambition to be seen as a leading global defence supplier . Military leaders and defence officials from NATO and partner states attended the event to assess these emerging capabilities
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Turkey faces tourism headwinds from Gulf travel drop
Turkey’s tourism sector is encountering challenges as travellers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries have substantially reduced their visits in recent months, impacting revenue and occupancy in key resort areas . Analysts point to shifting regional travel patterns and competition from other destinations as factors in the decline
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Turkey advances as a major NATO defence supplier
Turkey’s display of long‑range ballistic missile systems at SAHA 2026 reinforces its positioning as a significant defence supplier within NATO, combining domestic production with export ambitions . Western and regional partners are closely watching how Ankara balances these capabilities with alliance cohesion and arms‑control norms
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Domestic focus on indigenous missile development intensifies
Alongside the Yildirimhan reveal, Roketsan’s unveiling of TAYFUN Block 4 signals Ankara’s continued investment in solid‑ and liquid‑fueled missile technologies for both strategic deterrence and export markets . Defence analysts note that these advances will prompt further debate over regional security and proliferation risks
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Turkey’s defence minister highlights national missile achievements
Defence Minister Yasar Guler presented the new Yildirimhan intercontinental ballistic missile at SAHA 2026, emphasizing its range of over 6,000 km and advanced indigenous design . His presence at the show underscored the government’s priority on strategic autonomy and modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces
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Human‑rights groups welcome trade‑union acquittals
International and domestic trade‑union bodies have welcomed the acquittal of the 15 KESK members, calling it a rare positive outcome after years of criticism over judicial pressure on labour activists in Turkey . The decision is seen as a test of how Turkey’s courts handle politically sensitive labour‑rights cases going forward
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Tourism sector seeks new strategies amid Gulf slowdown
Turkish tourism authorities and private operators are planning marketing and pricing adjustments to counter the fall in Gulf visitors highlighted by recent data . The sector aims to diversify source markets and enhance offerings to maintain Turkey’s competitiveness in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions
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