Through an official statement, sources from Turkey’s Defense Ministry expressed their displeasure regarding Greece’s position, which has been communicated through Kyriakos Mitsotakis that countries threatening war against Union members cannot participate in the SAFE program.
As the sources characteristically stated: “We are witnessing attempts to exclude non-EU allies, including our country, from the European Defense and Security Architecture or to use it as a bargaining tool. As can be understood, certain EU member states seek to implement their maximalist ambitions, hindering very important decisions for EU security.”
Turkish Defense Ministry: upset over SAFE program
According to the same sources, “European security can only be strengthened through participation, strategic foresight, and collective solidarity, which requires a visionary approach. Under this perspective, we believe that our country, with its defense capabilities, will significantly contribute to European defense and security. This is also highlighted by many of our EU member allies.”
The sources concluded by stating: “In this context, we will continue our work to develop defense cooperation with our open-minded and forward-thinking European allies, within the SAFE mechanism or outside of it.” It should be noted that this week’s briefing for defense correspondents took place aboard the Turkish amphibious assault ship “Anadolu” off the Mediterranean coast, as part of the vessel’s participation in the Turkish naval exercise “Sea Wolf.”
Following the briefing, there was a demonstration featuring the launch of unmanned aircraft from the vessel.
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Başarıyla devam eden Denizkurdu-I 2025 Tatbikatı’nın Seçkin Gözlemci Günü faaliyetleri bugün gerçekleştiriliyor.
Tatbikatı Genelkurmay Başkanı Orgeneral Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Deniz Kuvvetleri Komutanı Oramiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu ve basın mensupları, TCG Anadolu’dan… pic.twitter.com/tLdKuzWzPU
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When asked whether Turkey’s armed forces would participate in the international task force to be sent to Gaza, Turkish Defense Ministry sources stated they are ready to undertake any mission assigned to them. As they characteristically mentioned: “To date, the Turkish armed forces have participated in numerous missions organized by various organizations in different parts of the world to maintain international peace and security, earning the appreciation of all parties with their professionalism and fair stance. The Turkish armed forces, which have experience in establishing and maintaining peace, are ready to undertake any mission assigned to them.”
Finally, regarding Turkey’s request for European Eurofighter combat aircraft procurement, the same sources declared: “There is nothing definitive yet regarding the Eurofighter procurement. When the contract reaches the approval stage, announcements will be made.”
