NATO Allied Land Command expands responsibilities in Türkiye
On the 73rd anniversary of Türkiye's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir continues its activities with increasing responsibilities in line with changing security dynamics. (AA Photo)
NATO’s Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir is assuming additional responsibilities as it transforms into an operational combat headquarters, integrating the roles of the Joint Force Land Component Command and Multicorps Land Component Command.
LANDCOM’s evolving role in NATO operations
Originally established as the Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe Command in 1952 when Türkiye joined NATO, LANDCOM has played a key role in coordinating NATO land forces. Since its restructuring in 2012, it has served as the primary headquarters overseeing NATO land operations.
In response to shifting security dynamics, NATO has assigned LANDCOM new operational duties, further enhancing its role in command and control of multinational land forces during crisis situations.
Türkiye’s contribution to NATO
Colonel Gokhan Dulgergil emphasized Türkiye’s longstanding commitment to the alliance, noting that the country remains one of NATO’s most active contributors.
“NATO has been a cornerstone of Türkiye’s defense and security policy. Article 5, which affirms collective defense, is as vital for Türkiye as it is for all member states,” Dulgergil said.
Türkiye has supported various NATO missions, including Kosovo Force (KFOR), the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Black Sea maritime security operations, Iraq missions, and surveillance efforts in the Aegean Sea.
The country has also provided air refueling for NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and led NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force in 2021.
Strategic importance of LANDCOM in Izmir
Major Christopher Morris highlighted Türkiye’s geographical significance at the intersection of three continents, reinforcing NATO‘s strategic reach.
“Türkiye’s strong logistics capacity, modern military infrastructure, and extensive NATO experience enhance the operational effectiveness of Allied Land Command. Its continuous cooperation with NATO partners strengthens land operations coordination across the alliance,” Morris said.
He further emphasized Türkiye’s long-standing role in NATO, stating, “Türkiye is one of NATO’s oldest, strongest, and most reliable members. It has actively contributed to numerous alliance missions and played a crucial role in both regional and global security.”
2025: A defining year for LANDCOM
Sergeant Sarah Rodrigues from Canada noted that 2025 will be pivotal for LANDCOM as it operationalizes its expanded command roles.
“The upcoming year will see LANDCOM further solidifying its command and control capabilities within NATO’s structure and reinforcing its role among allied stakeholders,” Rodrigues said.
LANDCOM is the Theatre Land Component and Land Advocate responsible for coordinating and synchronizing NATO and Partner Land Forces by enabling land domain Readiness, Interoperability, Standardization, and Competency; stands ready to deploy headquarters elements to provide planning, coordination, and C2 capabilities to Allied forces.
