An Iranian-launched ballistic missile heading toward Turkish airspace was intercepted by NATO defense systems in the eastern Mediterranean.
The information was released by the Turkish Ministry of Defense, which stated that the projectile was detected shortly after launch from Iranian territory.
According to Turkish authorities, the missile crossed the airspace of Iraq and Syria before being neutralized by a US-made SM-3 interceptor missile system. A video released by the authorities shows the moment of the interception by the military alliance’s integrated missile defense systems.
After the target was destroyed, fragments of the interceptor system fell to the ground in Dörtyol district of Hatay province in southern Turkey. Turkish gendarmerie units were dispatched to the site to collect the rubble and secure the area. The government said there were no deaths or injuries.
The SM-3 is one of the most important missile defense interceptor systems used by the United States and NATO allies. The system was developed over decades and extensively tested by the US Navy. It is launched from ships equipped with the Aegis system and is designed to neutralize ballistic missiles in flight. The incident comes amid rising tensions following the start of a military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Those: Militarnyi | Photo: @USNavy | This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Statement Regarding Neutralized Ballistic Ammunition#Ministry of National Defense pic.twitter.com/F59bAU7AhW
— Turkish Ministry of National Defense (@tcsavunma) March 4, 2026
