Türkiye launches 2 major military drills in May

The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) will conduct two major military exercises in May: the Denizkurdu-II-2025 (Sea Wolf-II-2025) in the Black Sea, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean, and the International Anatolian Phoenix Exercise at the third Main Jet Base Command in Konya. Both exercises will include the deployment of newly inducted indigenous defense systems.

As part of Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities with domestically produced technology, the drills aim to project strength to adversaries while assuring allies.

Over 20,000 personnel to join Sea Wolf-II

The Denizkurdu-II-2025 naval exercise will run from May 6–17 and will involve units from the Turkish Naval Forces, Air Forces Command and Coast Guard Command. It is designed to assess the operational command and control effectiveness of the Naval Forces, increase readiness levels, and enhance decision-making capabilities in multi-threat environments.

More than 100 surface vessels, submarines, aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial and sea vehicles (UAVs and USVs), and elite SAT and SAS commando teams will participate. The involvement of over 20,000 personnel is expected. The exercise will also serve as a proving ground for newly acquired, domestically developed systems recently added to the navy’s inventory.

Anatolian Phoenix to feature international participation

On May 22, the International Anatolian Phoenix Exercise will be held at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command. In addition to Turkish Armed Forces elements, special teams from the Gendarmerie General Command and the Special Forces Command will take part, alongside international participants.

The exercise will focus on combat search and rescue operations, aiming to test and enhance command-and-control processes, and to improve interoperability among participating nations and units. It will also highlight new technological systems integrated into the Turkish air force’s operations, especially those enhancing airspace defense.