Anatolian Eagle 2025 took place from June 23 to July 4, 2025, at the 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya, Turkey, bringing together NATO and regional air arms for high-end, scenario-driven missions across a 300 x 400 km airspace that minimises transit time and maximises training value.
Exercise Background and Goals
Established in 2001 to elevate the Turkish Air Force’s training and international cooperation, Anatolian Eagle has become a global benchmark for tactical air warfare exercises, drawing on lessons from contemporary conflicts and international standards like Red Flag. The exercise aims to:
- Enhance interoperability among allied and partner air forces
- Refine large force tactics and joint operations planning
- Simulate full-spectrum modern air combat, from Offensive and Defensive Counter-Air (OCA/DCA) to Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and Close Air Support (CAS)
Scenarios included multi-domain operations, electronic warfare, cruise missile interception, and tackling “Red Country” adversaries equipped with real training-grade air defence systems.
Conducted annually by the Anatolian Eagle Training Centre in Konya on national and international rotations, the program develops pilots, air defence teams, and control-and-warning specialists in a simulated operational setting that tests joint and combined tactics while driving mission-effectiveness and survivability under realistic pressure.
Evaluation Systems and Readiness
Advanced instrumentation such as Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) and comprehensive end-of-mission evaluation tools enable near-real-time or rapid debriefs, creating a high-fidelity learning loop that sharpens combat readiness and accelerates the adoption of improved tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Unique Position and Range
The Anatolian Eagle Training Centre is among a handful of tactical training hubs worldwide—and uniquely, the only such centre in Europe—with a contiguous exercise area of roughly 300 x 400 km encompassing the Salt Lake region and associated ranges configured with integrated air defences and threat emitters.
Participants and Aircraft
Turkish National Participants included the following:
| Squadron/Unit | Type | Quantity | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
 | F-16 | 4 | Multi-Role |
 | E-7T | 3 | AEW&C |
 | F-16 | 10 | Multi-Role |
 | CN-235 | 1 | Air Lift |
 | F-16 | 5 | SEAD/Multi-Role |
 | F-16 | 5 | Multi-Role |
 | F-16 | 3 | Multi-Role |
 | F-16 | 3 | Multi-Role |
 | F-16 | 3 | Multi-Role |
 | KC-135 | 1 | AAR |
 | ANKA/AKINCI | 2 | A/G ISR |
| TAI | ANKA-3 | 1 | A/G |
| TAI | AKSUNGUR | 1 | A/G ISR |
The 2025 edition featured the active participation of:
| Roundel | Nation/Operator | Aircraft | Squadron |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Azerbaijan | 2x Su-25 | SU-25 Eskadrilya |
 | Hungary | 3x JAS-39 | 101/1. Harcászati Repül- Század |
 | Jordan | 3x F-16C | 1 Squadron |
 | Qatar | 3x EF2000 | Flying Wing 1 |
 | Saudi Arabia | 6x F-15SA | 92 Squadron |
 | United States | 12x F-16C | 510th FS |
 | NATO | E-3A |
More than 75 aircraft from 7 air arms flew 415 sorties and recorded over 780 flight hours in two weeks of intensive training. Observers from Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, the UAE, Brazil, Bulgaria, Mali, and Nigeria attended, underlining the exercise’s growing global importance.
A key enabler was NATO’s E-3A Sentry, deployed from Geilenkirchen, Germany, providing airborne Command and Control, enabling integrated battle management in contested airspace, a role it has fulfilled in Anatolian Eagle in previous iterations.
Training Environment and Operations
Training missions were flown over extensive ranges, including Karamar, Tersakan, and Koc, each protected by SA-6, SA-8, SA-11, ZSU-23-4, and Hawk SAMs for maximum realism. Blue and Red forces vied for control in contested airspace, coordinating offensive and defensive air missions, air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, and cruise missile defence—all controlled via Turkey’s cutting-edge command systems.
For the first time in an international exercise, crisis phase scenarios preceding the outbreak of war were simulated through actual flight missions. Within this framework, pilots were trained in preventive air operation planning, rules of engagement, and deterrence techniques aimed at preventing a surprise attack before conflict erupts. This represents one of the most advanced models of preparation for the preservation of peace.
Also, for the first time in the Anatolian Eagle Exercise, blue force elements conducted interception and elimination operations in response to a simulated mass cruise missile attack launched by the red force. This scenario tested the joint reaction capabilities of the Turkish Air Force and allied units against asymmetric missile threats that may be encountered in modern warfare environments.
For the first time in an internationally conducted exercise within the scope of conventional operations, UAVs alone were assigned to perform direct strike missions. More importantly, manned fighter aircraft conducted escort and protection missions for the Turkish defence industry-produced Akinci, Anka-S, and Anka-3 UAVs operating in the strike role. This scenario represents one of the most advanced examples of manned-unmanned system integration and showcases the technology-driven transformation capacity of both the Turkish Armed Forces and the Turkish defence industry.
These developments reflect not only the scope of this exercise but also a vision for an air force that is prepared for the operational environments of the future.
Mission Aim and Tactical Focus
A core aim is to improve daytime mixed-force operations for national and foreign participants, boosting mutual support while planning and executing composite air operations against tactical and strategic targets defended by fighters and surface-based air defences deployed on land and at sea in a realistic operational environment.
Significance and Impact
Anatolian Eagle continues to be a vital platform for building tactical excellence, sharing operational experience, and reinforcing cooperation among NATO allies and key partners in a rapidly evolving security environment. The robust participation of Arab states, NATO, and regional partners further highlighted Turkey’s central role in fostering collective defence and interoperability.
Media Presence and Acknowledgements
With over 1,100 photographers and more than 30 international media delegations, Anatolian Eagle 2025 drew significant global attention, underscoring its scope, challenge, and relevance.
We would like to thank the Turkish Air Force for granting us the opportunity to cover Anatolian Eagle 2025, welcoming us once again to document the advanced training, tactical innovation, and international camaraderie that define this top-tier exercise.
Anatolian Eagle 2025 proved to be another milestone in multinational air operations training—blending new threats, diverse allies, and cutting-edge tactics in the heart of Turkey.
