Türkiye's Seizure of U.S. Bases Outside İncirlik in 1975

Military cooperation established between Türkiye and the United States of America (USA) during the Cold War was plunged into a serious crisis following developments after the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation. The imposition of an arms embargo by the USA against Türkiye in 1975 marked a turning point in bilateral relations. In response to this embargo, the Turkish Council of Ministers adopted a decision on 25 July 1975 to transfer control of all American bases and facilities in Türkiye to the Turkish Armed Forces, excluding Incirlik Air Base. This decision is recorded in history as a step prioritizing sovereignty and independence in Türkiye’s foreign policy.

Following the 1947 Truman Doctrine, the military and economic assistance provided by the USA to Türkiye gained strategic significance with its NATO membership in 1952. From the late 1950s onward, numerous American military installations and intelligence stations were established on Turkish territory. The 1969 Joint Defense and Cooperation Agreement (JDCA) established the legal framework for these facilities. Under the agreement, the USA operated bases, radar systems, and communication centers in various regions of Türkiye. Most of these installations served strategic surveillance and communication missions against the Soviet Union. Structures deployed in areas such as Belbucak, Karamürsel, Pirinçlik, Sinop, Trabzon, and Kürecik played a significant role in the intelligence dimension of the Cold War.

The Cyprus Peace Operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces on 20 July 1974 caused a rupture in relations between Türkiye and the USA. The use of American-made weapons during the operation was deemed contrary to US laws, triggering a reaction from Congress. On 5 February 1975, the US Congress enacted an embargo halting arms sales and military aid to Türkiye. This decision was interpreted by Türkiye, a NATO ally, as an interference in its sovereign rights. The embargo not only halted the supply of military equipment but also provoked widespread public backlash in Türkiye.

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Türkiye announced on 3 June 1975 through a diplomatic note that it would suspend the Joint Defense and Cooperation Agreement if the US embargo were not lifted. The anticipated step was taken on 25 July 1975. During a Council of Ministers meeting on the same day, the JDCA was unilaterally suspended. Beginning on the morning of 26 July 1975, the majority of American facilities in Türkiye were brought under the control of the Turkish Armed Forces. The facilities transferred included radar stations, communication centers, and logistical bases. Incirlik Air Base was excluded from the implementation because of its operational status within NATO.

The media of the period reported the development under headlines such as “Türkiye Seizes US Bases.” It was recorded that Turkish security forces took control of the facilities without incident and that most American personnel either left the bases or ceased their activities. No military confrontation or mutual friction occurred during this process.

Türkiye’s decision generated reactions both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the emphasis on national sovereignty came to the forefront, while the crisis in relations with the USA deepened. Türkiye’s resolve prompted Washington to reconsider the embargo in the short term. By 1978, the embargo had been largely lifted. In 1980, a new defense and economic cooperation agreement was signed between Türkiye and the USA, ushering in a process of normalization in bilateral relations.

This 1975 decision is regarded as one of the most significant examples of Türkiye’s desire to act independently in its foreign policy. It is also viewed as the starting point of Türkiye’s efforts to reduce its dependence on external sources in defense matters. Following the incident, the development of a domestic defense industry became a national priority, and substantial progress was made in this area in the subsequent years.