Recent events
tr43Turkey Delivers TCG Koçhisar OPV to Turkish Navy and Corvette CAm. Roman to Romania
On 20 June, Turkish defense company ASFAT and Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command delivered TCG Koçhisar (P-1221), the first Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel, to the Turkish Navy, and corvette CAm. Roman to the Romanian Naval Forces in a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. The dual delivery underscores growing defense cooperation between the two NATO Black Sea allies and marks the first export of a Turkish-built naval combatant to a NATO and EU member state. TCG Koçhisar is designed for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, EEZ protection, maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance, enhancing Turkey's maritime patrol and surveillance capabilities. CAm. Roman, built under an intergovernmental contract signed on 3 December for approximately €223 million, is equipped for reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, maritime security, and combat operations, strengthening Romania's Black Sea fleet. The Hisar-class OPV program, an evolution of the MILGEM initiative, uses a CODELOD propulsion system for improved fuel efficiency and 50% greater endurance compared to the Ada-class, with a top speed of 24 knots and displacement of 2,300 tons. The Turkish Navy has ordered ten Hisar-class vessels, with construction distributed among Istanbul Naval Shipyard and private yards Desan, Dearsan, and Özata.
Show summaryHide
Turkey Delivers TCG Koçhisar OPV to Turkish Navy and Corvette CAm. Roman to Romania
On 20 June, Turkish defense company ASFAT and Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command delivered TCG Koçhisar (P-1221), the first Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel, to the Turkish Navy, and corvette CAm. Roman to the Romanian Naval Forces in a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. The dual delivery underscores growing defense cooperation between the two NATO Black Sea allies and marks the first export of a Turkish-built naval combatant to a NATO and EU member state. TCG Koçhisar is designed for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, EEZ protection, maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance, enhancing Turkey's maritime patrol and surveillance capabilities. CAm. Roman, built under an intergovernmental contract signed on 3 December for approximately €223 million, is equipped for reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, maritime security, and combat operations, strengthening Romania's Black Sea fleet. The Hisar-class OPV program, an evolution of the MILGEM initiative, uses a CODELOD propulsion system for improved fuel efficiency and 50% greater endurance compared to the Ada-class, with a top speed of 24 knots and displacement of 2,300 tons. The Turkish Navy has ordered ten Hisar-class vessels, with construction distributed among Istanbul Naval Shipyard and private yards Desan, Dearsan, and Özata.
On 20 June, Turkish defense company ASFAT and Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command delivered TCG Koçhisar (P-1221), the first Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel, to the Turkish Navy, and corvette CAm. Roman to the Romanian Naval Forces in a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. The dual delivery underscores growing defense cooperation between the two NATO Black Sea allies and marks the first export of a Turkish-built naval combatant to a NATO and EU member state. TCG Koçhisar is designed for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, EEZ protection, maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance, enhancing Turkey's maritime patrol and surveillance capabilities. CAm. Roman, built under an intergovernmental contract signed on 3 December for approximately €223 million, is equipped for reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, maritime security, and combat operations, strengthening Romania's Black Sea fleet. The Hisar-class OPV program, an evolution of the MILGEM initiative, uses a CODELOD propulsion system for improved fuel efficiency and 50% greater endurance compared to the Ada-class, with a top speed of 24 knots and displacement of 2,300 tons. The Turkish Navy has ordered ten Hisar-class vessels, with construction distributed among Istanbul Naval Shipyard and private yards Desan, Dearsan, and Özata.
tr41DEM Party Deputy Buldan Urges Framework Law for Terror-Free Turkey Process Before Parliament Recess
Pervin Buldan, TBMM Deputy Speaker and DEM Party Imrali delegation member, urged the passage of a 7-8 article framework law for the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process before parliament's summer recess, stating it could be passed in five days. She noted ongoing contacts between AK Party and DEM Party, and a recent visit by CHP deputy Sezgin Tanrikulu to MHP leader Devlet Bahceli, indicating cross-party engagement. Buldan warned that delays increase risks amid regional instability and potential sabotage.
Show summaryHide
DEM Party Deputy Buldan Urges Framework Law for Terror-Free Turkey Process Before Parliament Recess
Pervin Buldan, TBMM Deputy Speaker and DEM Party Imrali delegation member, urged the passage of a 7-8 article framework law for the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process before parliament's summer recess, stating it could be passed in five days. She noted ongoing contacts between AK Party and DEM Party, and a recent visit by CHP deputy Sezgin Tanrikulu to MHP leader Devlet Bahceli, indicating cross-party engagement. Buldan warned that delays increase risks amid regional instability and potential sabotage.
Pervin Buldan, TBMM Deputy Speaker and DEM Party Imrali delegation member, urged the passage of a 7-8 article framework law for the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process before parliament's summer recess, stating it could be passed in five days. She noted ongoing contacts between AK Party and DEM Party, and a recent visit by CHP deputy Sezgin Tanrikulu to MHP leader Devlet Bahceli, indicating cross-party engagement. Buldan warned that delays increase risks amid regional instability and potential sabotage.
tr41Leonardo and Baykar Complete First Phase of K-SWARM Crewed-Unmanned Teaming Tests
Italian defense firm Leonardo and Turkish company Baykar have successfully completed the first phase of live testing for the K-SWARM program, demonstrating crewed-unmanned teaming capabilities. Tests at Baykar's facility in Çorlu, Turkey, involved Leonardo M-346 aircraft and the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned fighter, which autonomously executed formation maneuvers. The program aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance mission efficiency using AI.
Show summaryHide
Leonardo and Baykar Complete First Phase of K-SWARM Crewed-Unmanned Teaming Tests
Italian defense firm Leonardo and Turkish company Baykar have successfully completed the first phase of live testing for the K-SWARM program, demonstrating crewed-unmanned teaming capabilities. Tests at Baykar's facility in Çorlu, Turkey, involved Leonardo M-346 aircraft and the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned fighter, which autonomously executed formation maneuvers. The program aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance mission efficiency using AI.
Italian defense firm Leonardo and Turkish company Baykar have successfully completed the first phase of live testing for the K-SWARM program, demonstrating crewed-unmanned teaming capabilities. Tests at Baykar's facility in Çorlu, Turkey, involved Leonardo M-346 aircraft and the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned fighter, which autonomously executed formation maneuvers. The program aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance mission efficiency using AI.
tr39OTS Council of Elders chairman urges deeper Turkic cooperation in trade, AI, cybersecurity
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been deepening integration in energy, defense, and AI, with Türkiye preparing to take over the rotating presidency. On June 22, 2026, at the 19th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Almaty, Chairman Binali Yıldırım called for stronger cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. He highlighted the Middle Corridor as the backbone of Turkic independence and security, reported intra-OTS trade reaching $77 billion (7% of total trade, up from $48 billion and 3%), and set a target of 20%. Yıldırım supported Kazakhstan's proposal to establish an OTS Cybersecurity Council, urged swift signing of a cybersecurity memorandum, and reiterated support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Show summaryHide
OTS Council of Elders chairman urges deeper Turkic cooperation in trade, AI, cybersecurity
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been deepening integration in energy, defense, and AI, with Türkiye preparing to take over the rotating presidency. On June 22, 2026, at the 19th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Almaty, Chairman Binali Yıldırım called for stronger cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. He highlighted the Middle Corridor as the backbone of Turkic independence and security, reported intra-OTS trade reaching $77 billion (7% of total trade, up from $48 billion and 3%), and set a target of 20%. Yıldırım supported Kazakhstan's proposal to establish an OTS Cybersecurity Council, urged swift signing of a cybersecurity memorandum, and reiterated support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has been deepening integration in energy, defense, and AI, with Türkiye preparing to take over the rotating presidency. On June 22, 2026, at the 19th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Almaty, Chairman Binali Yıldırım called for stronger cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. He highlighted the Middle Corridor as the backbone of Turkic independence and security, reported intra-OTS trade reaching $77 billion (7% of total trade, up from $48 billion and 3%), and set a target of 20%. Yıldırım supported Kazakhstan's proposal to establish an OTS Cybersecurity Council, urged swift signing of a cybersecurity memorandum, and reiterated support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
tr38Turkey renews extradition requests for FETÖ fugitives worldwide
Turkey's Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced renewed extradition requests for senior members of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) residing in the United States, Germany, Belgium, Algeria, Canada, and Romania. The list includes top figures accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, infiltrating state institutions, and managing the group's global financial network. This move underscores Ankara's continued efforts to bring FETÖ members to justice and highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges with countries that have previously denied extradition.
Show summaryHide
Turkey renews extradition requests for FETÖ fugitives worldwide
Turkey's Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced renewed extradition requests for senior members of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) residing in the United States, Germany, Belgium, Algeria, Canada, and Romania. The list includes top figures accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, infiltrating state institutions, and managing the group's global financial network. This move underscores Ankara's continued efforts to bring FETÖ members to justice and highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges with countries that have previously denied extradition.
Turkey's Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced renewed extradition requests for senior members of the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) residing in the United States, Germany, Belgium, Algeria, Canada, and Romania. The list includes top figures accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, infiltrating state institutions, and managing the group's global financial network. This move underscores Ankara's continued efforts to bring FETÖ members to justice and highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges with countries that have previously denied extradition.
tr35Turkey and Germany hold JETCO meeting to boost economic and energy ties
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche co-chaired the 6th Term Meeting of the Turkey-Germany Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) in Ankara. The talks covered trade, investments, energy transition, green and digital transformation, transportation, and potential cooperation in third countries. The two sides also discussed updating the Turkey-EU Customs Union, visa facilitation, and enhancing Turkey's role in European value chains under the 'Made in EU' approach. Germany is Turkey's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $52 billion. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of their economic integration for Europe's competitiveness and global supply chain resilience.
Show summaryHide
Turkey and Germany hold JETCO meeting to boost economic and energy ties
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche co-chaired the 6th Term Meeting of the Turkey-Germany Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) in Ankara. The talks covered trade, investments, energy transition, green and digital transformation, transportation, and potential cooperation in third countries. The two sides also discussed updating the Turkey-EU Customs Union, visa facilitation, and enhancing Turkey's role in European value chains under the 'Made in EU' approach. Germany is Turkey's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $52 billion. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of their economic integration for Europe's competitiveness and global supply chain resilience.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche co-chaired the 6th Term Meeting of the Turkey-Germany Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) in Ankara. The talks covered trade, investments, energy transition, green and digital transformation, transportation, and potential cooperation in third countries. The two sides also discussed updating the Turkey-EU Customs Union, visa facilitation, and enhancing Turkey's role in European value chains under the 'Made in EU' approach. Germany is Turkey's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $52 billion. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of their economic integration for Europe's competitiveness and global supply chain resilience.
tr35Turkish consumer confidence hits three-year high in June
Turkey's consumer confidence index rose to 85.8 in May, the highest in 14 months, amid high inflation and the Iran war disrupting energy supplies. In June 2026, the index climbed further to 87.9, the highest since May 2023, driven by improved household expectations for financial situations and the general economy over the next year. The sub-index for spending on durable goods strengthened to 105.9.
Show summaryHide
Turkish consumer confidence hits three-year high in June
Turkey's consumer confidence index rose to 85.8 in May, the highest in 14 months, amid high inflation and the Iran war disrupting energy supplies. In June 2026, the index climbed further to 87.9, the highest since May 2023, driven by improved household expectations for financial situations and the general economy over the next year. The sub-index for spending on durable goods strengthened to 105.9.
Turkey's consumer confidence index rose to 85.8 in May, the highest in 14 months, amid high inflation and the Iran war disrupting energy supplies. In June 2026, the index climbed further to 87.9, the highest since May 2023, driven by improved household expectations for financial situations and the general economy over the next year. The sub-index for spending on durable goods strengthened to 105.9.
tr34Analysis: CHP Crisis Reflects Loss of Diffuse Support for Kilicdaroglu
A political analysis applies David Easton's concepts of specific and diffuse support to the ongoing crisis in Turkey's main opposition CHP. It argues that Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his circle may be misreading the nature of the opposition against them: the party base is not merely angry but no longer sees Kilicdaroglu as their legitimate representative, indicating a loss of diffuse support that is far harder to recover than temporary disapproval. The analysis highlights that the crisis is not just about leadership but about the erosion of political legitimacy.
Show summaryHide
Analysis: CHP Crisis Reflects Loss of Diffuse Support for Kilicdaroglu
A political analysis applies David Easton's concepts of specific and diffuse support to the ongoing crisis in Turkey's main opposition CHP. It argues that Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his circle may be misreading the nature of the opposition against them: the party base is not merely angry but no longer sees Kilicdaroglu as their legitimate representative, indicating a loss of diffuse support that is far harder to recover than temporary disapproval. The analysis highlights that the crisis is not just about leadership but about the erosion of political legitimacy.
A political analysis applies David Easton's concepts of specific and diffuse support to the ongoing crisis in Turkey's main opposition CHP. It argues that Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his circle may be misreading the nature of the opposition against them: the party base is not merely angry but no longer sees Kilicdaroglu as their legitimate representative, indicating a loss of diffuse support that is far harder to recover than temporary disapproval. The analysis highlights that the crisis is not just about leadership but about the erosion of political legitimacy.