Published February 13,2026

Subscribe

New prototypes of the homegrown combat aircraft KAAN, which will undergo testing during the development process led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), have made their debut.

The head of Türkiye’s Secretariat of Defense Industries, Haluk Gorgun, visited the KAAN hangar on Friday to receive information regarding the latest developments.

Gorgun noted that the rollout of the aircraft intended for full-size static testing, alongside the first and second flight prototypes, represents a significant technical milestone.

The official emphasized that KAAN stands beyond a mere aircraft as a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering prowess and independent defense capabilities.

The primary objective of the project centers on indigenously developing a next-generation combat aircraft that will serve the Turkish Air Force for many years.

KAAN will feature advanced capabilities such as low observability, internal weapon bays, enhanced situational awareness and sensor fusion for superior performance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Following the first flight of the initial prototype in 2024, development and production processes continue uninterrupted while simultaneously advancing operational capabilities for manned and unmanned fighter jets.

Gorgun explained that KAAN continuously enhances the country’s defense and aviation infrastructure, elevating Türkiye into an elite league of global players, particularly through the ongoing development of a domestic engine.

The strategic program also serves as a catalyst that simultaneously strengthens the country’s infrastructure, human resources and technological accumulation, he noted.

Authorities are rapidly carrying out preparations for mass production in parallel with the current testing phases as part of this critical technology initiative.

The domestic supply chain for KAAN currently consists of more than 5,000 employees working across over 300 companies in more than 20 cities, Gorgun said.

Published February 14,2026

Subscribe

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday marked the approaching Islamic holy month of Ramadan, urging all “to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need.”

“In a message marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the secretary-general says this month is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing a noble vision of hope and peace,” Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference, adding: “Yet, for too many members of the human family, this vision remains distant.”

Pointing to war-torn countries from “Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond,” Dujarric said that “people continue to suffer from conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination.”

“In these difficult and divided times, the secretary-general calls on all to heed Ramadan’s enduring message, to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person,” he noted.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan is one of Islam’s five main pillars.

Published February 13,2026

Subscribe

Türkiye on Friday rejected resolutions adopted by the European Parliament that it said contained “baseless allegations” against the country.

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said it “categorically” rejected claims made in resolutions passed Thursday concerning the situation in northeast Syria and alleged targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye.

The ministry said the resolution on the situation in northeast Syria disregarded “Türkiye’s role in Syria’s recovery and stabilization.”

It urged the European Parliament to make greater efforts to understand “realities on the ground and the aspirations of Syria and the Syrian people,” rather than adopting what it described as misguided and ill-intentioned measures.

The statement also dismissed allegations related to freedom of expression and religion, saying claims in the resolution titled, “Targeted expulsions of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye,” contradicted the facts.

“No foreign institution, including the European Parliament, can interfere in judicial proceedings conducted in our country,” it underlined.

The ministry urged the European Parliament to “take constructive steps” for Türkiye-EU relations rather than “being instrumentalized for efforts against our country and attempting to interfere in our internal affairs.”

Published February 13,2026

Subscribe

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Friday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “a great world leader” and described Türkiye as one of Belgrade’s most important partners following what he called highly productive talks in Ankara.

“Erdogan is a great world leader, Türkiye is one of our most important partners. We had exceptionally productive talks on all issues. Infinite thanks for the exceptional hospitality to President Erdogan, we look forward to welcoming you in Serbia,” Vucic wrote on the US social media platform X after concluding a one-day visit to Türkiye late Thursday.

During his stay in Ankara, Vucic held a bilateral meeting with Erdogan at the Presidential Palace and stressed that Serbia recognizes Türkiye’s political and economic importance, describing it as one of the country’s most significant partners.

Vucic thanked Erdogan for what he called exceptional hospitality and expressed hope that the Turkish president would visit Serbia within the next three to four months, when several important documents could be signed.

During the visit, Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to promote regional ownership-based initiatives, citing the second meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform hosted in Istanbul on Jan. 23, 2026, and thanked Vucic for his personal support for the platform.

Erdogan described Vucic’s visit as highly valuable for advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

“God willing, we will also pay a visit to Belgrade and Novi Pazar in May or June with a large delegation,” he said.

Following their meeting, Erdogan hosted a dinner in honor of Vucic.

Members of the Serbian delegation included Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic, Economy Minister Adrijana Mesarovic, Assistant Defense Minister Nenad Radomirovic, and the minister without portfolio in charge of reconciliation, regional cooperation and social stability, Usame Zukorlic.