Politis

NATO Deploys Second Patriot System to Turkey, Ankara Dismisses Cyprus' NOTAM

Published March 18, 2026, 12:19
NATO Deploys Second Patriot System to Turkey, Ankara Dismisses Cyprus' NOTAM

NATO is proceeding with the deployment of a second Patriot missile defense system to Adana, Turkey, in response to growing security concerns in the region. This move follows the interception of a ballistic projectile launched from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. Simultaneously, Turkey has dismissed as "invalid and baseless" the NOTAM issued by the Republic of Cyprus regarding military exercises in Cypriot territorial waters, claiming that Cyprus is becoming a target due to the accumulation of weaponry. Ankara states that it is taking all necessary measures to protect its national security and is closely monitoring developments in the region, reserving the right to utilize its guarantor power status in Cyprus. The Turkish Ministry of Defense accuses the Republic of Cyprus of attempting to create confusion of jurisdiction and challenging the rights of the pseudo-state.