On March 9, 2026, NATO air defense forces intercepted and destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace.
This was reported by the Ministry of National Defence of Turkey.
The launch took place from Iranian territory. After being shot down, the debris fell on a vacant lot in the province of Gaziantep, and none of the local residents were injured.
The Turkish government emphasized that it will respond decisively and without hesitation to any threats to its territory. This is the second interception of a ballistic missile that has entered Turkish airspace in recent times.
The first incident occurred on March 4, 2026. At that time, the missile was detected immediately after launch from Iranian territory as it flew towards Turkey. The target was successfully shot down by an SM-3 anti-missile from an American ship.
After the target was destroyed, the fragments of the interceptor missile fell in the Dörtol area of Hatay province in the south of the country. The Turkish gendarmerie quickly collected the remains of the ammunition and secured the crash site. The Ministry of National Defence reported that no one was killed or injured as a result of the incident.
In addition, the Ministry of National Defence of Turkey deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
