NATO air defence intercepts Iranian missile aimed at Turkey

A missile launched from Iran, which passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace toward Turkish airspace, was destroyed by NATO air defence systems. The alliance condemned Iran for targeting Turkey. ‘A ballistic munition launched from Iran, detected traversing Iraqi and Syrian airspace and heading for Turkish airspace, was successfully intercepted in time by NATO air defence assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean and neutralised,’ the defence ministry said, as reported by AFP on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. ‘Fragments of munition that fell in the Dortyol district of Hatay province were identified as belonging to the air defence munition that intercepted the threat after being destroyed in the air,’ the ministry added, noting there were no casualties. ‘All necessary steps to defend our territory and airspace will be taken firmly and without hesitation,’ it added. Turkey reiterated that it reserves the right to respond to any hostile action directed at the country. NATO condemned Iran’s targeting of Turkey after Ankara said a missile aimed at its airspace had been destroyed by the alliance’s defence systems. ‘We condemn the targeting of Turkey by Iran. NATO stands in solidarity with all allies, including Turkey, as Iran continues indiscriminate attacks across the region,’ said NATO spokesperson Allison Hart. ‘Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong in all domains, including air and missile defence,’ added the spokesperson.