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s the global and regional security environment has become more complex, unpredictable and fragile in recent years, it is evident that a country’s capabilities play an effective role in both deterrence and the establishment of a peaceful environment. In such a context, the EFES 2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise, hosted by Türkiye, goes far beyond being merely a military show of force. The exercise can be interpreted as a ‘deterrence and peace equation’ where military, diplomatic and technological messages are synchronized on the ground.
Both the tactical depth of the day and night scenarios and the domestic and national defense industry solutions integrated into the exercise each year are noteworthy. The Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) flawless capability in both “combined and joint operations” is being demonstrated. During the Distinguished Observer Day activities, attended by high-ranking state officials and representatives of friendly and allied nations, Türkiye’s role as a guarantor of regional peace and stability is proclaimed to the world through the language of strategic communication.
The Defense Industry Exhibition within the scope of the EFES 2026 Exercise serves as the clearest demonstration of Türkiye’s leadership in the transformation of modern warfare doctrines and its commitment to the goals of full independence. This exhibition goes beyond traditional fair concepts; it is not merely a space where systems are displayed statically, but also serves as a ‘laboratory’ where they are tested against the realities of the actual battlefield.
One of the key elements that makes the EFES Exercise unique on a global scale is the ability to manage forces from different nations—despite differences in language, doctrine and operational culture—with a ‘united and joint’ will within the same scenario. EFES 2026, meanwhile, saw a record level of foreign personnel participation, in line with both the current geopolitical context and Türkiye’s position within the global system. A particularly notable aspect was the fact that a total of 502 personnel from eastern (331) and western (171) Libya—regions that had recently been at war with one another—underwent joint training with the Turkish Armed Forces during the exercise.
This goes far beyond ordinary military cooperation. The fact that Türkiye’s long-standing objective of “One Libya, One Army”, pursued on the ground in the name of regional and global peace, has materialised in such a massive international exercise demonstrates Ankara’s capacity for diplomatic and military integration. Similarly, the participation of a core element of the Syrian army, which is currently undergoing a restructuring process, in the exercise demonstrates Turkey’s determination to shape the regional security architecture in line with its own vision.
The Russia-Ukraine War, the US/Israel-Iran War and other regional conflicts currently dominating the global agenda are bringing the transformation of the modern battlefield into sharp relief. During this period, it has become increasingly clear that manned and unmanned platforms are working in tandem, decision-making processes are being accelerated through AI-integrated solutions, and autonomous systems are creating a multiplier effect. An examination of the EFES 2026 scenarios clearly demonstrates how closely Türkiye is following this transformation and developing pioneering doctrines.
The inclusion of Türkiye’s unmanned combat aircraft, KIZILELMA, in the demonstration flight formation alongside manned platforms such as GÖKBEY, HÜRKUŞ and HÜRJET during the various scenarios conducted throughout the exercise signals the dawn of a new era in air power. The fact that autonomous and AI-supported unmanned kamikaze aerial vehicle systems (Baykar K2 and Sivrisinek kamikaze UAV, VTOL KALKAN UAVs; Skydagger FPV drone; STM’s 20-strong KARGU swarm) struck targets simulated with live warheads astonished everyone. In exercises conducted worldwide, it has not previously been observed that unmanned kamikaze aerial vehicles of different types were operated in a similar scenario within a ‘swarm architecture’.
Either live warheads were not used, or only formation capabilities were demonstrated. EFES 2026 went down in the records as the first live, explosive application field. Furthermore, within the scope of the exercise, F-16s’ HGK-84 (Precision Guidance Kit), alongside the 20mm cannon of the ATAK helicopters and their attacks with UMTAS missiles, and the coordinated scenario involving supporting fire from 155mm FIRTINA II howitzers, demonstrates the level of network-centred warfare capability achieved by the Turkish Armed Forces. This ultimately proves that Türkiye is not merely limited to producing platforms; it has built up significant tactical expertise regarding how these systems are to be utilised as part of combined and joint forces within complex combat scenarios.
One of the most significant innovations that elevates the EFES exercises beyond a mere military manoeuvre is the organic integration of the Defense Industry Exhibition into the exercise. The realities of the battlefield are always different from laboratory tests. Thanks to the visionary coordination of the Ministry of National Defense and the Presidency of the Defense Industry, domestically developed systems are being tested directly under the dust, smoke and stress of the field. The entire process is operated within a structure that includes foreign personnel. The performance demonstrated by the systems will undoubtedly feature in the ‘reports’ that these foreign personnel will present upon their return to their home countries.
The “Steel Dome” system demonstration presented to the country’s leadership and international guests as part of the Distinguished Observer Day marks the pinnacle of the strategy on display. The participation of the STEEL DOME – the integrating element of Türkiye’s layered air defense architecture – in an international exercise simulating combat conditions serves both to convey the message of “full independence in national defense” and to demonstrate the system’s operational readiness to potential buyer nations. Projects such as the Denizhan, a national naval gun produced by MKE and currently in active service, are the clearest indication of how Türkiye is gradually breaking its dependence on foreign sources. The opportunity for foreign delegations to meet directly with the engineers responsible for production on the operational field ensures that they experience Türkiye’s technological capabilities not through brochures, but by observing them in the field. This situation creates an invaluable opportunity and reference point for defense exports.
The technological infrastructure and firepower on display are fully aligned with the “peace and stability” axis through statements made by the state’s leadership. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks, stating that “The Turkish Army is the army of peace. The Turkish Army is the army of tranquillity. The Turkish Army is the army of stability. The Turkish Army is not only the guarantor of the security of its country and nation but also the most important guarantor of regional and global peace, tranquillity and stability,” declare to the international community that the weapon systems developed are produced not with an aggressive vision but with the aim of preserving peace on the basis of deterrence. The deterrence of the Turkish Armed Forces is positioned not as a threat to any actor, but rather as a “guarantee of peace and stability” across a broad geography stretching from the European security architecture to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Furthermore, the strongest response to the smear campaigns and disinformation activities waged against our companies in the international arena is provided through the transparency and on-the-ground reality demonstrated during the EFES exercise. With the participation of numerous international observers and members of the press, the current state of the Turkish defense industry is conveyed to the world first-hand and without intermediaries. This strategic communication, conducted through inter-institutional coordination, serves as a defense against rivals seeking to overshadow Türkiye’s technological and military advancements.
In short, EFES 2026 showcases Türkiye’s preparedness for the future of warfare, presenting over 50 solutions for the first time. These range from autonomous and ballistic missile technologies to layered air defense and swarm unmanned systems.
(Originally published in Turkish by Kriter)
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