EFES-2026 Unified Joint Fireground Field Exercise

The EFES-2026 Joint Combined Live Fire Field Exercise, conducted between 11 April and 21 May 2026, is the largest comprehensive joint exercise ever carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) under the command and control of the Aegean Army Command, hosted by Türkiye. The exercise is held at the Doğanbey Firing and Exercise Area in the Seferihisar district of İzmir. Over 10,000 personnel, including observers, units and elements from 50 countries, are participating in this exercise encompassing all branches of the TAF.^【1】 EFES-2026 aims to enhance joint operational capabilities, test the effectiveness of domestic and national defense industry products in the field, and strengthen interoperability with friendly and allied nations.

^{Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerinin (TSK) en büyük birleşik müşterek tatbikatlarından EFES-2026'nın seçkin gözlemci günü kapsamındaki gündüz faaliyetleri (}AA ⁾

The first phase of the exercise, the Computer-Aided Command Post Phase, was conducted between 11–17 April 2026 in Istanbul and İzmir. This phase tested command and control mechanisms in a computer-simulated environment and evaluated the joint planning and coordination capacities of command levels. The Select Observer Day activities were also successfully completed within this phase. All activities of the Computer-Aided Command Post Phase were concluded as planned and on schedule.

^{Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerinin EFES-2026'nın seçkin gözlemci günü kapsamındaki gündüz faaliyetleri (}AA⁾

The main phase of the exercise, the Live Fire Phase, began on 20 April 2026 and concluded on 21 May 2026. This phase encompassed live-fire field activities, amphibious assaults, air strike missions, integrated land and naval operations. The Select Observer Day events were conducted in two separate sessions: daytime and nighttime. President Yaşar Güler personally attended the Select Observer Day held on 20–21 May 2026.

Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan EFES 2026’da (AA)

MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk outlined the primary objectives of the EFES-2026 Exercise during the weekly press briefing held in Seferihisar on 20 May 2026 as follows: enhancing interoperability in joint and combined operations regarding planning, coordination and execution; testing command and control procedures and electronic warfare tactics and techniques; implementing joint use procedures for weapons and equipment from participating nations; improving logistics planning and execution principles; developing a common cyber security understanding; and strengthening capabilities to counter asymmetric threats and conduct hybrid operations.

EFES-2026 Exercise featured the multi-role amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, belonging to the Command of the Naval Forces, as a central element due to its status as Türkiye’s largest indigenously developed warship. The vessel anchored off the coast of Urla district in İzmir and served as the primary base for all air and amphibious operations during the exercise.

Bayraktar TB3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), stationed aboard TCG Anadolu, was lifted onto the flight deck via elevator under controlled conditions and successfully demonstrated takeoff and landing capabilities with a full mission payload. This demonstration was significant as it proved that the Bayraktar TB3 can conduct operations from short-deck ships not only in test environments but also under realistic operational scenarios.

TCG Anadolu’s embarked amphibious marine units boarded Armored Amphibious Assault Vehicles (ZAHA) to participate in amphibious assaults. Footage released by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) during the exercise depicted the Turkish Armed Forces executing amphibious landings with speed, coordination and high combat capability.

Onboard the vessel, personnel transfers were conducted using SH-70 Seahawk helicopters, while pilots of AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters conducted landing and takeoff training.

^{Milgem Ada Sınıfı Korvetleri (}STM⁾

EFES-2026 featured MİLGEM Ada Class Corvettes in live-fire phases. These vessels, products of Türkiye’s first indigenous corvette program under the MİLGEM Project, successfully fulfilled diverse mission profiles during the exercise. Additionally, modernized submarines equipped with domestic and advanced systems also participated in the exercise.

^{EFES 2026 Türk kuvvetleri (}TRT Haber⁾

During the exercise, the MSB shared footage of artillery and mortar fire missions. Throughout the Live Fire Phase, land force elements conducted firing exercises against targets using various weapon systems.

Combat operations continued uninterrupted during the night phase of the exercise, with reports confirming precise hits on all designated targets.

EFES-2026 featured airborne insertion and extraction training for motorcycle units using the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. These activities constituted one of the critical elements of the exercise in testing air-land integration capabilities.

According to the press briefing delivered by MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Aktürk on 20 May 2026, the EFES-2026 Exercise served as the first operational field test for numerous new systems and platforms, distinguishing it from previous exercises.

^{TAYFUN Blok-2 (}AA⁾

Following inspection and acceptance activities conducted by the Command of the Land Forces during the exercise week, the TAYFUN Block-2 Missile was formally introduced into the inventory of the TAF for the first time.^【2】 Concurrently, the Fırtına-2 Howitzer, the Akıncı Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and the National Infantry Rifle (MPT-76) completed their inspection and acceptance procedures and were also formally integrated into service.

The following systems and weapons, never previously deployed in operational settings, were tested for the first time in practical applications during EFES-2026: the Portable Electronic Attack System (MİLKAR-A); the ALKA Laser Weapon System; MAGAS-E; the TOLGA Close-In Air Defense System; the GÖKBERK Laser Weapon System; and the Kamikaze Swarm Drone. These systems are among those planned for future integration into service and achieved their first practical applications during the exercise.

^{EFES 2026 dan görüntüler(} TRT Haber⁾

EFES-2026 introduced another innovative feature distinguishing it from previous exercises: digital operational management. In this context, the Ağ-Kara BERTUG Operational Management System was used for the first time, and an AI-assisted analysis application was activated within the exercise to support military decision-making processes.

One of Türkiye’s leading defense industry companies, STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc., actively participated in the EFES-2026 Exercise with autonomous swarm systems and advanced naval platforms.

STM’s combat-proven kamikaze munition system, KARGU, demonstrated its autonomous swarm capability under real field conditions during EFES-2026. Equipped with AI and image-processing-based mission capabilities, KARGU platforms coordinated synchronized swarm operations and executed simultaneous attacks on targets.

STM had previously demonstrated swarm capability during a field test in January 2026 in Polatlı/Ankara. In that test, a swarm of 20 KARGU systems, under the control of a single operator and using entirely domestic algorithms, autonomously and precisely engaged designated targets with live munitions. ^【3】 This test represents a global first in live-fire swarm operations.

Various vessels under the MİLGEM Ada Class Corvette Project participated in the live-fire phases of the exercise. The TCG İSTANBUL (F-515), for which STM serves as the prime contractor and which is Türkiye’s first indigenous frigate, was presented to international delegations during the defense industry exhibition held within the exercise.

At the defense industry exhibition held during EFES-2026, the following systems were showcased at the STM stand: TCG İSTANBUL (F-515); Türkiye’s first indigenous assault boat; a logistics support vessel; and the autonomous underwater vehicle STM NETA 300. In the unmanned systems domain, products first introduced at SAHA-2026 were also displayed, including the 1,000+ km range kamikaze UAV system KUZGUN; the UAV hunter system TUNGA-X capable of reaching 300 km/h; the TOGAN-Mini reconnaissance and surveillance UAV; the KarguFPV kamikaze drone; the TOGAN tactical reconnaissance UAV; and the KARGU, currently in service across 15 countries on four continents.^【4】

^{STM Genel müdürü Özgür Güleryüz (}STM⁾

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz stated during his remarks on the occasion of EFES-2026: "The EFES Exercise remains one of the most critical platforms for showcasing the high operational capabilities of our Armed Forces and the technological maturity of our defense industry. The autonomous deployment of our KARGU swarms is proof of the technological level we have achieved."

At the defense industry fair held during EFES-2026, ASFAT A.Ş., operating under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defense, unveiled a new UAV hunter system, the KARAVU.

KARAVU is a preemptive drone distinguished by its aerodynamic hull structure and X-configured short delta wings. Its front section can be equipped with either a daylight camera or an uncooled thermal imager and can be rapidly swapped depending on operational conditions.

The system’s key technical specifications are as follows: weight of 1.55 kg; flight duration of 15 minutes; maximum speed of 400 km/h ; maximum range of 7 km (line-of-sight distance from ground control station).^【5】 The system can be operated in FPV mode or by target lock-on. KARAVU is manufactured at the 44th Main Maintenance Factory Directorate (MMFD) facility in İzmir.

The hull is constructed from carbon fiber material and contains metal spheres arranged to generate a fragmentation effect. According to ASFAT’s statements, its explosive mechanism is designed to produce a 360° fragmentation effect using only 25 grams of C4 explosive .^【6】

^{Yapay Zeka İle Oluşturulmuştur}

EFES-2026 Exercise holds historic significance in terms of Libya. A total of 502 Libyan personnel participated in the exercise, including 331 personnel from Libya’s eastern region and 171 personnel from its western region.^【7】 In addition, Libya’s "Shafak" Assault Boat also participated in the exercise.

Under the vision of a "Single United Libya" and "One Libya, One Army," the two sides participated in this exercise, marking the first time Libyan military units from both regions jointly took part in an overseas exercise. It is noted that this initiative, initiated with Turkish support during the Flintlock-2026 Exercise, has now taken a concrete step through EFES-2026.

During the exercise, Libyan military personnel received training in the following areas: boat operations; mine and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats; fortification and defense; special forces operations; SAT/SAS; first aid and medical treatment; amphibious operations; and MEBS (Combat Search and Rescue).

EFES-2026 also attracted attention due to the core-level participation of the Syrian Armed Forces. This participation holds historical significance as it marks the first time Syrian military units have taken part in an exercise conducted outside Syria. In an MSB statement, it was confirmed that Turkey will continue providing training support to the Syrian Armed Forces as part of its support for Syria’s reconstruction process.

A comprehensive defense industry exhibition was organized during the EFES-2026 Exercise for international military and defense industry representatives. The exhibition showcased the most advanced technologies and newly developed systems from Türkiye’s domestic defense industry.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler personally attended the exhibition and reviewed the presented systems. Additionally, products that achieved rankings in the "Defense Science and Technologies" competition during the exercise were also displayed at the EFES-2026 exhibition.

Numerous domestic defense industry products, led by ASELSAN’s advanced technology systems, were presented to international military delegations.

During his address at the Select Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized Regional and Global Peace, The International Nature and Success of the Exercise, Deterrence and Security Message, and Historical Heritage and Commemoration of Martyrs.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated in his speech that the Turkish military is not only the guarantor of the security of Türkiye and the Turkish nation, but also the most important safeguard of regional and global peace, tranquility and stability. He noted that EFES-2026 is among the world’s most significant joint, combined and comprehensive exercises, and announced that over 1,300 personnel from 50 friendly, brotherly and allied nations participated alongside Turkish forces. He congratulated Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Chief of the General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, force commanders, members of the Turkish Armed Forces, and representatives of public institutions for their achievements. Erdoğan emphasized that the exercise instilled confidence among friendly forces and discouraged those who seek to calculate against Türkiye. He also highlighted the historical significance of the exercise’s location, recalling that ten years after the Battle of Manzikert, in 1081, Çakabey conquered this region and established one of the world’s most important shipyards, writing epics in naval history. He paid tribute with reverence and respect to all martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the state’s survival, from those who held these lands a thousand years ago, through the Battle of Manzikert and the War of Independence, to the Cyprus Peace Operation and the fight against terrorism, and wished health and long life to all living veterans.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler assessed EFES-2026 as follows: "The EFES-2026 Exercise is a tangible manifestation of the trust placed in our country."

^{Tuğamiral Aktürk EFES 2026 kapsamında konuşmalarını yapıyor (}AA⁾

MSB Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk provided detailed information during the press briefing on 20 May 2026 regarding the objectives and scope of the exercise, including newly integrated systems, the historic participation of Libya and Syria, and the TAF’s domestic and international exercise calendar.

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz, in his press statement on 18 May 2026, emphasized the importance of EFES-2026 in showcasing the operational capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces and the technological maturity of the defense industry. He evaluated the deployment of autonomous KARGU swarms during the exercise as evidence of the technological level achieved.