Military & Defense
Efes 2026: Turkey Leads Massive Multinational Military Exercise
May 28, 2026
1 min read
Source: Breakingdefense
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Turkey recently concluded a significant multinational military exercise, Efes 2026, drawing participation from dozens of nations to its Izmir region. This extensive drill showcased a broad spectrum of joint combat capabilities, emphasizing complex coordination across air, land, and sea assets under varied conditions.
Last week, Breaking Defense travelled to Izmir in Turkey in order to check out the 2026 edition of Efes, a major military exercise for Turkey that brought together 50 participating countries.
The exercise, which occurred both during the day and at night, featured artillery and aircraft working together to attack multiple targets. Also featured in the exercise were live fires from submarines, fast crafts and unmanned surface vessels, as well as a simulation of special forces infiltrating behind enemy lines and conducting amphibious and demining operations.
Below, you’ll find a collection of photos from the exercise. And keep an eye out for stories from the trip.
Analysis
The Efes 2026 exercise underscores Turkey's growing strategic ambition and its commitment to fostering robust military partnerships across a wide geographic spectrum. Hosting such an extensive drill provides a powerful platform for Ankara to demonstrate its advanced defense capabilities and solidify its position as a key security actor in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.