Türkiye Says Second Ballistic Missile Shot Down by NATO Defences in Airspace

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Debris from a ballistic missile fired from Iran falls in an empty field after NATO interception, near Gaziantep, Türkiye, 9 March 2026.

Türkiye said on Monday that NATO air defence systems shot down a second ballistic missile fired from Iran after it entered Turkish airspace, warning that it would take all necessary measures against any threats.

This marks the second Iranian ballistic missile in the past week to target southern Türkiye, a NATO member and a neighbour of Iran. Ankara had warned Tehran on Saturday against launching further attacks, but has not indicated that it plans to formally request additional protection from NATO allies.

"We once ⁠again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace," the Turkish Defence Ministry said, adding some ammunition parts had fallen in the southeastern province of Gaziantep but there had been no casualties.

"We also reiterate that it is in everyone's interest to heed Turkey's warnings in this regard," it said.

U.S. air forces are stationed at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Türkiye, while a NATO radar base in Malatya province to the northeast provides vital support for the alliance’s missile defence system. Ankara said fragments from the intercepted missile fell in open fields in Gaziantep, which lies roughly between the two locations.

Turkish officials also stated that Washington has not used Incirlik Air Base in its air campaign against Iran, conducted alongside Israel, which triggered Tehran’s subsequent missile and drone attacks.


Source: Reuters



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