Stories from Ankara · Turkey

The first T625 Gökbe helicopter, developed with domestic resources, has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces Land Forces Command. The general-purpose helicopter was part of a development program that began in 2010. The delivery took place at the TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara. The helicopter was previously delivered to the General Directorate of Security in April 2024. The Gökbey helicopter, designated T625, was painted in a military green color. The helicopter features touch screens and an autopilot system with software developed domestically by TUSAS. The development decision for the helicopter was made in 2010, with a contract signed between the Presidency of Defense Industry and TUSAS in 2013. Turkey's Gökbey helicopter completed its first flight on September 6, 2018, after a contract was signed with the Presidency of Defense Industry in 2013.

The domestic general-purpose helicopter Gökbey will undergo its first delivery to the Turkish Land Forces Command. Once integrated, the Gökbey platform's local content rate is expected to rise to 80 percent. The helicopter is expected to enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of the Turkish Land Forces. The delivery was noted during a panel on a safe society in the digital age. Görgün stated that the second helicopter's delivery was planned for June. The aircraft first conducted its maiden flight in September 2018 and underwent certification tests in June 2019. General Metin Tocel, Commander of the Land Forces, attended the delivery alongside Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün and TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu. The delivery of the T625 Gökbey helicopter marks the beginning of a series of deliveries to be conducted across seven TUSAŞ facilities.

Journalist Ismaël Areux conducts investigations into corruption within public institutions and foundations. His reporting has reportedly impacted associates of President Erdogan and his family circle. The source notes Areux is among a rare group of journalists who challenge the current power structure. Turkish authorities have arrested a journalist following his publication regarding privileges granted to a Quranic school named after President Erdogan. The journalist is currently being held in prison and continues to write daily through his lawyers. He has also reported on an encounter with a teacher who is also incarcerated. He works for the daily newspaper Birgûne, which is noted for criticizing the government. The report notes that 115 investigations have been launched against journalists under a specific law in recent months.

The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) has implemented new limits on vehicle loans in Turkey. For vehicles priced at 2.5 million lira or less, the maximum loan amount is 70% with a 48-month installment limit.

Turkish civil society groups are calling for international public reaction regarding twenty Turkish citizens held hostage. The groups stated they are treating the situation as a hot agenda item and will not remain silent. Ankara has reportedly issued a reaction to the incident. Following the release of research regarding a container massacre, 126 civil society organizations are demanding action. Currently, there is no penalty clause or mechanism requiring companies to pay if they fail to complete projects after winning auctions. The absence of financial sanctions allows companies to submit unrealistically high bids without consequence.

Turkish meteorologists warned that sunny weather at ski resorts will be replaced by cloudy and rainy conditions this weekend due to cold air masses from Russia. Temperatures are expected to drop to 3 degrees Celsius in Ankara and 8 degrees Celsius in Istanbul.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy reported a 6 percent increase in tourism figures for the first quarter of the year. Turkey recorded 64 million visitors and 65.2 billion dollars in total revenue for 2025. The Director General of Security, Mahmut Demirtaş, has been recalled to the center. Ali Fidangeç, the governor of Nevşehir, has been appointed as his replacement. Fidangeç was previously awarded the rank of general. Ersoy noted an increase in tourism revenue despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The announcement detailed visitor trends for the period. Per capita nightly spending rose to 102 USD from 99 USD the previous year. Mothers who have already used previous leave entitlements can access up to 8 additional weeks under the new regulation.

Turkey has increased the domestic production rate of specialized anti-drone rifles to over 80 percent. These rifles are developed specifically as drone killers and utilize specialized ammunition. The development aims to enhance national defense by countering drone-based threats. The development is described as a advancement for Turkish tools and technology. This move is reportedly a response to regional dynamics involving Israel and Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. Visuals of new missile technology were presented during the broadcast.

Former Minister Süleyman Soylu reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with NOW TV reporter Beril Ötkan. The incident occurred while the journalist was attempting to ask questions regarding the Gülistan Doku case.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced the start of the application period for the Rural Development Investment Program. The program includes a 10 billion lira budget for rural development initiatives.