Türkiye and France have embarked on a new chapter in their defence and security collaboration by signing a comprehensive road map. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation through intelligence sharing, joint defence industry projects, air defence, and military training. The Turkish Defence Ministry has emphasized that the road map seeks to create a structured framework for bilateral partnership based on mutual interests.
Regular security consultations, strengthened coordination against hybrid threats, and improved compatibility between the defence systems of both nations are key components of this initiative. Moreover, the road map outlines joint training and capacity-building activities in third countries to contribute to regional stability. The military cooperation will be further reinforced through personnel exchanges between military academies, port visits, and exercises involving land, naval, and air forces.
The collaboration also extends to the development of joint defence projects, with a focus on technology and information sharing between their respective defence companies. Meetings to discuss bilateral defence matters will be hosted alternately in Ankara and Paris, with the first session planned for the final quarter of 2026.
In addition to this strategic partnership, Türkiye has expressed criticism towards Israel’s military operations in southern Syria, specifically citing raids, detentions, and air and artillery strikes. Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, accused Israel of breaching the 1974 Disengagement Agreement through activities near the separation line in Quneitra and urged the international community to take action to preserve regional peace and stability.
Aktürk also acknowledged the ongoing confidence-building efforts between Türkiye and Greece, noting that military delegations from both countries are actively engaging in exchanges and discussions as part of their 2026 Confidence-Building Measures Implementation Plan.
Concerning border security, Türkiye’s authorities have reported the surrender of one PKK member during the past week. Additionally, Turkish security forces have apprehended 660 individuals attempting to cross borders illegally while preventing another 1,383 from doing so. Since the start of 2026, a total of 13,366 individuals have been apprehended for unauthorized crossings, and 53,870 more have been thwarted from entering illegally.