Turkish Armed Forces

The Turkish government revisited a fresh implementation of what is called “paid military service” on the eve of next year’s parliamentary elections, exempting those who are over 27-year-old from compulsory military service in return of an 18,000 Turkish Lira payment, as of Dec. 31.

Turkish defense producers aim to boost exports to $25 billion by 2023, from $1.5 billion this year, Defense Industry Undersecretary İsmail Demir stated on Nov. 28.    

Demir said Turkey aims to have defense companies among the top 100 major companies in the world, and to create at least three global brands in the defense sector.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, has been commemorated on the 76th anniversary of his passing on Nov. 10, with official and unofficial ceremonies across the country.

In a written statement issued Nov. 9 for the occasion from the Presidency, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the country remembered the founder of the Republic with mercy and respect.

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç has denied that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) has been excluded from the Turkish government’s peace process to end the 30-year-long Kurdish issue.

Arınç’s words came in response to a motion filed by a deputy of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) based on remarks by Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Özel on the issue.

Turkish and US military officials are continuing to discuss the use of Turkish military bases, including the İncirlik base, and its airspace in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, sources said

Turkish and U.S. military officials are continuing to discuss the use of Turkish military bases, including the İncirlik base, and its airspace in the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, sources said

Montenegro is planning to conclude a five-year military agreement with Turkey involving the joint training of troops and military exercises.

Montenegrin soldiers will be able to attend Turkish military schools and academies and also "training courses for underwater attacks and defence" as well as training for commandos, the draft, which BIRN has seen, says.

Turkey’s main opposition leader says his party is against the Turkish military’s possible operations in neighboring countries

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is drawing up plans for a possible buffer zone along the border inside northern Syria that could be established with the contribution of U.S.-led coalition forces.

Exactly two weeks after summoning German Ambassador to Ankara Eberhard Pohl over electronic spying claims, the Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Ankara, Jess Bailey, over similar claims. They demanded the U.S. stop spying on Turkey at once, “if the claims are true.”