Turkey tightens security measures, points radars toward Russian base

Following the violation of Turkish airspace by Russian jets twice this week, radar and missile bases in the southern province of Hatay are on full alert for likely mobility from the Russian military base in the Syrian province of Tartus.

Two radar bases, which are stationed at Kisecik and Keltepe, had detected the recent airspace violation of Russian air forces on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4.

Kisecik, which was constructed in 2006 by NATO and serves the 220th Airdrome Commandership at Hatay, can work in coordination with military bases in eastern Malatya and southeastern Diyarbakır, if needed.

Moreover, there is also a missile launcher stationed at Kurtnasır, and reportedly, radars at the district are focused on a possible threat coming from Tartus.

Along with that, Ankara is prepared to set new missile launchers at the district of Ziyaret Tepe against possible threats coming from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey tightened border security measures in 2012 by setting radar and missile bases to Hatay in the aftermath of increasing tensions with the Syrian regime.

Experts say that security in the southern airspace of Turkey is at top level with the radar bases and missile launchers located in Hatay and emphasize that the facilities there are able to detect any threat coming from Syrian airspace.

Turkey said late on Monday a Russian warplane had violated its airspace on Sunday, the second such breach in the past three days, prompting Ankara to once again summon Moscow's ambassador.

According to the Russian government's statement, the two incursions lasted "a few seconds," but NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg's statements on Tuesday pointed out that the two incursions were longer than "just a few seconds."