Latest News from Turkey
Turkey Orders First Batch of Domestic KAAN Fighter Jets
The Turkish Air Force signed a deal for 20 KAAN Block 10 advanced fighter jets at the SAHA defense exhibition in Istanbul, with expectations for more orders. Contract signed by Turkish Aerospace and Defense Industries Secretariat.
Turkish Arms Firms See Demand Surge from Regional Conflicts
At the SAHA expo in Istanbul, Turkish defense firms like Baykar report booming exports ($2.2B in 2025 drones) driven by Middle East wars, including Iran's attacks on UAE. Turkey ranks 11th globally in arms sales, up 122% recently. New systems like Tolga counter drones.
Erdogan Declares 'Decade of the Family' to Combat Falling Birth Rates
President Erdogan announced a 'Decade of Family' to strengthen family institutions amid rising marriage age, divorces, and declining births. Priorities include protecting family and marriage; 'National Family Week' set for late May.
Erdogan Accused of Weaponizing Turkey's Judiciary with Rivals' Help
Report details how Erdogan purged over 4,000 judges post-2016 coup attempt, replacing them with AKP affiliates; past scandals involved unauthorized arms and IRGC operations. Judiciary halved overnight, fast-tracked loyalists installed.
Sweden Seizes Vessel Caffa Carrying Stolen Ukrainian Grain Linked to Turkey
Sweden seized the dry cargo ship Caffa for transporting Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied territories, highlighting illicit trade routes potentially involving Turkey.
Turkey Prepares Bill to Codify Aegean and Mediterranean Maritime Claims
Turkey is drafting legislation to formally assert its maritime boundaries in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, potentially escalating tensions with neighbors like Greece. Reported by Bloomberg.
Canada Issues Travel Alert for Turkey Over Terrorism and Crime Risks
Canada urges high caution for Turkey due to terrorism and violent crime, joining alerts for UK, France, Italy, Germany, and others.
Turkish Intelligence Warns of Somalia's Fragility Amid Ankara's Military Role
MIT report highlights risks in Somalia as Turkey increases military and economic involvement, including funding and arms. Ties into broader Erdogan strategies.
Türkiye Ministry Comments on Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council Meeting
Latest press release (No: 83, 5 May 2026) covers the third Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council meeting, signaling strengthened bilateral ties.
Joint Statement by Türkiye on Israeli Assaults on Global Sumud Flotilla
Foreign Ministers including Türkiye's condemn Israeli attacks on the flotilla (30 April 2026), alongside nations like Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa.
Türkiye Responds to Israeli PM Netanyahu's Social Media Post
Ministry press release (No: 70, 11 April 2026) addresses Netanyahu's post, indicating ongoing diplomatic tensions with Israel.