The daytime phase of the EFES-2026 Exercise was breathtaking.

21.05.2026 14:50

Daytime activities within the scope of the distinguished observer day of EFES-2026, one of the largest joint combined exercises of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), were carried out. The exercise, which was also watched by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was breathtaking.

Hosted by Turkey, under the command of the Aegean Army Command, and with the participation of friendly and allied country elements, the daytime phase of the Distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Combined, Joint, Live-Fire Field Exercise took everyone's breath away.

OVER 10 THOUSAND PERSONNEL PARTICIPATED

The daytime phase of the Distinguished Observer Day, held at the Doğanbey location in Seferihisar district of Izmir, saw the participation of over 10 thousand personnel, including national elements and observers, units, and elements from 50 countries. The daytime phase of the exercise's Distinguished Observer Day was conducted with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, force commanders, Turkish Armed Forces command echelon, and distinguished observers from other countries.

DAYTIME PHASE BEGAN WITH TB-3 SİHA TAKING OFF FROM TCG ANADOLU

The daytime phase began with the TB-3 SİHA taking off from TCG Anadolu. Subsequently, a land bombardment was carried out. Within the scope of Fires Supporting Amphibious Operations, artillery and mortar fire were conducted. The Air Assault Operation (HHH), which started at night, was continued. Howitzers/artillery and command-control vehicles were transported by air. Landing and airhead expansion were carried out. Wounded personnel were transferred to a mobile field hospital via helicopter. Close air support was provided for the Amphibious Assault Operation. Within the scope of amphibious operations, machine gun and RPG-7 R/A fire were conducted. An enemy submarine (D/A) in the Amphibious Target Area (AHS) was detected, a training torpedo was fired, and the D/A surfaced. As part of fires supporting the amphibious operation, artillery fire and Aksungur SİHA fire were conducted. A slope collapse was executed, and a passage was opened through minefields and wire obstacles.

ARTILLERY AND ZAHA FIRES SUPPORTED THE AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION

Following the second wave's covering fire and maneuver, artillery and ZAHA fires supporting the amphibious assault operation were carried out. Sniper shots were taken. Mortar fire supporting the amphibious assault operation was conducted. The Mine Hunting Vessel (MAG) detected mines and destroyed them using autonomous underwater vehicles and mine warfare divers. Then, the second wave provided covering fire. Landing elements conducted maneuvers. Subsequently, the Mine Hunting Vessel (MAG) detected mines and destroyed them using autonomous underwater vehicles and mine warfare divers. Artillery fires supporting the amphibious operation were carried out. Elements landing in the second wave conducted firing. As part of supporting fires for the amphibious operation, attack helicopter fires were conducted. Maneuvers were made from ship to target. Boat operations were executed. The third wave provided covering fire, and the landing elements conducted maneuver and firing. Search and rescue and medical evacuation were carried out at sea. Medical evacuation was conducted from the submarine to TCG Sancaktar.

CRITICAL TARGETS WERE NEUTRALIZED

ADK measures were taken. Anti-tank fire was conducted to destroy detected enemy armored vehicles. Close air support for the operation was provided. Combat Search and Rescue operations and Air Defense were carried out. Time-Sensitive High-Value Target Direct Action operations were conducted. Protection duties were performed. Critical targets were neutralized by the specialist sniper element. The call wave provided covering fire. Akıncı SİHA fire, Nefer Kuleli ZMA, and supporting artillery and mortar fires were conducted. Airborne logistics supply support was provided. Urban warfare was conducted. Anti-tank fire was carried out to destroy detected enemy armored vehicles. Close air support was provided to the operation. Tank gun fire and artillery fire were conducted. As part of Joint Operation Supporting Fires, artillery and mortar fire were conducted. The Joint Operation was executed. An aerial firefighting demonstration was conducted. Subsequently, the exercise ended.