Turkey needs to be ready for potential threats similar to the Israel-Iran conflict, according to intelligence academy's warning.
In a recent report titled "The 12-Day War and Lessons for Türkiye," the National Intelligence Academy (MIA) has outlined key recommendations for Turkey's modernization of air defense, anti-missile capabilities, and defense industry.
The report underscores the necessity for Türkiye to comprehensively modernize its air defense and missile defense systems, reinforce its defense industry security and production, and prepare for multidimensional warfare environments involving cyber and electronic operations.
One of the primary recommendations is to modernize air defense systems and enhance anti-missile capabilities. The report highlights Israel's difficulty in intercepting Iranian missiles despite technological superiority, demonstrating that Türkiye must upgrade its air defense and anti-missile systems to effectively counter similar threats.
Another crucial recommendation is to accelerate the integration of manned and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The report calls for Türkiye's air force to integrate both manned and unmanned platforms and to develop domestic use of civilian technologies for military purposes, signaling an emphasis on advanced aerial capabilities.
The MIA report also stresses the importance of strengthening defense industry through preventive security policies. Since Türkiye's defense industry has become a priority target of foreign intelligence, the report urges implementing early warning systems, critical personnel training, and digital protection measures to shield the sector from espionage and cyberattacks.
Boosting mass production capacity and adopting long-term multifaceted defense planning is another key recommendation. The report emphasizes expanding domestic production capabilities and pursuing comprehensive defense strategies to prepare for future conflicts.
The report also recommends developing robust civil defense infrastructure, including shelters and early warning systems, modeled partly on Israel’s effective civil defense during the conflict. This is aimed at reducing civilian casualties and increasing preparedness.
Investing in cyber warfare and electronic warfare capabilities is another area of focus. The report points to the rising significance of cyber warfare, electronic attacks, and digital manipulation in modern conflicts, recommending these domains be integrated into military planning and defense development.
The 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June 2025 provided important lessons about the qualities and capabilities that a modern and effective air force should possess. The report reconfirms the importance of the Turkish Air Forces' integration process of manned and unmanned systems.
Regional turbulence in Iran could lead to mass migration towards Turkey, interruptions in energy supply, and border security risks, according to the MIA report. The report further notes that the defense industry needs long-term and multi-faceted planning in this context.
The war signaled a new period where multi-dimensional forms of struggle beyond classical armies gained weight. The report reveals that cyber, electronic, and cognitive warfare are no longer independent but intertwined and indispensable components of joint operation planning.
The National Intelligence Academy was inaugurated on Jan. 6, 2024, by National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Ibrahim Kalin. The MIA predicts that if a new war breaks out on the Israel-Iran line, it will be more violent than previous wars.
In conclusion, the MIA report serves as a call to action for Türkiye to prepare for similar threats and modernize its defense capabilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The report underscores the need for a comprehensive approach, integrating advanced technology, robust infrastructure, and long-term strategic planning to secure Türkiye's future.
- The National Intelligence Academy (MIA) report suggests that Türkiye should boost its air defense and missile defense systems to counter threats similar to Iranian missiles, as demonstrated by Israel's failed interception.
- The integration of manned and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is highly recommended in the MIA report, with an emphasis on the Turkish Air Force utilizing both manned and unmanned platforms for advanced aerial capabilities.
- Preventive security policies are vital to strengthening Türkiye's defense industry, according to the MIA report, which advises implementing early warning systems, personnel training, and digital protection measures to protect against espionage and cyberattacks.
- The MIA report encourages Türkiye to develop robust civil defense infrastructure, modeled partly on Israel's effective civil defense during conflicts, to reduce civilian casualties and increase preparedness.
