Terror Attack in Turkey: 4 dead, 14 injured in assault on aerospace facility

New Delhi, Oct 23: A terrorist attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), a state-owned defence contractor located near Ankara, has left four people dead and 14 others injured, three of whom remain in critical condition.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the attack, calling it a “terrorist” act, and stated that the two suspects involved, a man and a woman, have been “neutralised” by security forces.

The assault took place approximately 40 km outside the Turkish capital at TAI’s headquarters, a critical hub for the country’s defence industry. Media showing CCTV footage reportedly shows one of the attackers inside the facility armed with a gun, while local media reported an explosion and gunfire outside, raising concerns of a coordinated assault.

TAI plays a central role in Turkey’s defence sector, manufacturing military and civilian aircraft, helicopters, and drones. It has also become a key player in producing Bayraktar drones, which have seen widespread use in regional conflicts, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan war and the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company is also responsible for modernizing older aircraft for the Turkish military and serves as the licensed manufacturer of U.S.-designed F-16 fighter jets for NATO.

Though no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, Turkey has long been a target for terrorism, frequently linked to Kurdish separatist groups and, more recently, Islamic State militants. The strategic nature of the attack, aimed at a major defence contractor, has raised questions about its objectives—whether to sow instability or disrupt Turkey’s growing defence capabilities.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, correspondent Sinem Koseoglu reported claims that three attackers were involved, and that some workers may have been taken hostage. TAI’s vast campus in Kahramankazan employs around 15,000 people, adding to fears that the facility’s workforce could have been a target.

As investigations continue, Turkey’s government faces heightened pressure to bolster security around its defence. Meanwhile the area has been cordoned and investigation continues.