Ankara: Trkiye said Tuesday that a Patriot air defense system is being prepared for operational readiness in eastern Trkiye as part of efforts coordinated with NATO to help protect the country's airspace amid the ongoing regional tensions. In a statement, the National Defense Ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces remain 'fully committed to ensuring the security of our country and our citizens' amid the recent regional developments.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry emphasized that necessary measures are being taken to secure Trkiye's borders and airspace in light of recent regional developments, in consultation with NATO and its Allies. The statement highlighted that NATO has also reinforced its regional defense posture, enhancing air and missile defense measures alongside national security strategies.

The ministry further detailed that a Patriot System is currently stationed in Malatya and is being readied for operational status to support airspace protection. Trkiye remains committed to ongoing coordination with NATO on defense and security issues, maintaining its defense and security capacity at high levels while striving for regional peace and stability.

This development comes amid heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran on February 28. The strikes have resulted in around 1,300 casualties, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Furthermore, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, around March 1.