Captain Cengiz Topel Martyr Akdeniz Storm Exercise (2025)

The Martyr Major Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm Exercise is one of the annual military exercises jointly conducted by Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The exercise involves land, sea, and air forces and aims to enhance the security of the TRNC and strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the Turkish Armed Forces and the TRNC Security Forces.

^{Martyr Major Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm Exercise (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Date and Duration

The 2025 exercise is being conducted from 8 to 12 September 2025. The official announcement regarding the commencement of the exercise was issued by the Ministry of National Defence on 8 September 2025.

Participating Forces

Land, sea and air forces from Türkiye and the TRNC are participating in the exercise. Participation is coordinated by both the Command of the Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus and the Command of the TRNC Security Forces.

Objective and Scope

The primary objective of the exercise is to strengthen the security of the TRNC and enhance training, cooperation and interoperability between Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. Additionally, improved coordination among land, sea and air units is anticipated.

Exercise Name

The exercise is named after Major Cengiz Topel, an air pilot who was killed in action during the 1964 Cyprus Operation. The naming of the exercise underscores the historical ties between the Turkish Cypriot people’s security and the military solidarity between Türkiye and the TRNC.

Context of 2025

In 2025, the Turkish Armed Forces are participating in numerous national and international exercises across various regions. The Mediterranean Storm Exercise is being conducted simultaneously with the NATO Dynamic Guard-II/2025 exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean.