NATO air defence systems intercepted a third ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkey, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Friday, adding that Ankara has requested clarification from Tehran over the incident.
According to the ministry, the missile was shot down before causing damage, although an explosion was heard overnight near Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey’s Adana province. Witnesses reported windows shaking in nearby areas, but authorities said there were no casualties or debris falling from the interception.
The incident marks the third time in recent days that NATO defences have intercepted Iranian missiles heading toward Turkish territory. The first missile was downed on March 4 before reaching Turkish airspace, while a second was intercepted on March 9 after entering it.
Officials did not disclose the intended target of the latest missile, saying only that it was “entering” Turkish airspace at the time it was intercepted.
Incirlik Air Base hosts U.S. forces along with personnel from Turkey and other allied countries. Ankara has previously said that Washington has not used the base in its ongoing military campaign against Iran alongside Israel.
The missile incidents are increasingly testing Turkey’s position within NATO as the war between Iran, Israel and the United States continues to escalate.
Turkey, which shares a border with Iran and fields NATO’s second-largest military, has warned Tehran against further incidents while also stressing that it does not want to be drawn into the conflict.
“All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country’s territory and airspace,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement, adding that consultations were underway with Iran to clarify the circumstances of the launch.
Iran has not yet commented on the latest interception but has previously denied deliberately targeting Turkey during its confrontation with Israel and the United States.
Turkish officials said no casualties were reported and there were no indications of missile debris falling on populated areas.
Despite its growing domestic defence industry, Turkey currently relies heavily on NATO’s integrated air defence systems in the eastern Mediterranean to counter ballistic missile threats.
The Kurecik radar base in Malatya province plays a central role in NATO’s missile defence network by detecting launches across the region, including missiles fired toward Turkey.
Fragments from a previous Iranian missile reportedly fell in an area between the Kurecik radar facility and Incirlik Air Base.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry also confirmed earlier this week that the Russian-made S-400 air defence systems it purchased in 2019 were not used in the interceptions, saying NATO’s integrated systems responded more quickly and effectively.
Following the latest incidents, NATO has strengthened its missile defence posture in the region, deploying additional capabilities including a U.S. Patriot air defence system to reinforce protection around the Kurecik radar base.
