President Erdoğan Affirms Türkiye's Proactive Cross-Border Security Doctrine

Türkiye's Proactive Security Stance

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Thursday that Türkiye is taking all necessary security measures beyond its borders, neutralizing threats at their source without seeking approval from any external entity. Speaking at an iftar program with families of martyrs at Çankaya Mansion in Ankara, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye's proactive security doctrine, stating that the nation now takes all necessary steps both within and beyond its frontiers to ensure national security.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts and Progress

Erdoğan reported significant advancements in the 'terror-free Türkiye' initiative, which has been ongoing for 16 months. He noted a 'serious decrease in security risks directed at our country, both within and beyond our borders.' The President expressed determination to permanently rid Türkiye of the 'terrorist scourge that has burned the hearts of our nation for nearly half a century,' attributing this progress to operations by the armed forces and security units that have severely restricted terrorist organizations' mobility. Türkiye's counter-terrorism efforts primarily target groups such as the PKK/PYD/YPG, DAESH (ISIS), FETO, and DHKP/C.

Defense Industry Self-Sufficiency

A key factor underpinning Türkiye's capacity for autonomous security operations is the transformation of its defense industry. Erdoğan stated that Türkiye has evolved from approximately 80% foreign dependency to nearly 80% domestic production capability. This self-sufficiency allows the country to meet almost all its needs in various fields, including:

• Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Armed UAVs
• Missiles and rockets
• Ships
• Helicopters
• Tanks

Erdoğan added that fighter jets and aircraft carriers represent the next frontier in the nation's defense industry goals.

Regional Operations and Syrian Developments

The President's remarks come in the context of ongoing cross-border operations, particularly in northern Iraq and Syria, which are part of Türkiye's strategy to neutralize threats at their source. The Turkish parliament recently extended the military's cross-border mandate in Iraq and Syria for three years in October 2025, allowing troops to conduct operations against groups identified as threats to national security. Erdoğan also noted 'positive developments' in neighboring Syria, revealing that an agreement was reached last month to resolve the issue in northern Syria without bloodshed, with the process towards full integration having begun.