Philenews

Ankara: NATO Deploys New Patriot System After Intercepting Three Iranian Missiles – Cyprus NOTAM Invalid, Says Turkish MoD

Published March 18, 2026, 12:15
Ankara: NATO Deploys New Patriot System After Intercepting Three Iranian Missiles – Cyprus NOTAM Invalid, Says Turkish MoD

Turkey announced the deployment of a new Patriot air defense system at the Incirlik military base, in response to the interception of three missiles fired from Iran. The new PAC-3 system is in addition to a Spanish Patriot system already in the area. Turkey also has a Patriot system at the Kürecik air base. The Turkish Ministry of Defense described the NOTAM issued by the Republic of Cyprus regarding military exercises in Cypriot territorial waters as “invalid and unfounded,” claiming that the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” has issued a counter-NOTAM canceling it. Turkey states that it has technical evidence regarding the launch of the missiles and that it has taken all necessary measures to address threats to its national security. President Erdogan stated that he does not want to be drawn into an escalation of tensions.