Written by: Danny Reijnen en Theo van Vliet

Introduction

In the heart of Central Anatolia, the city of Konya hosts two sophisticated air combat training exercises—Anatolian Phoenix and Anatolian Eagle. What began as a national initiative by the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) has, over the last decade, matured into an internationally respected training operation, comparable to the United States’ Red Flag exercises. The exercise is not just about flexing aerial muscle, but about refining interoperability, improving survivability, and mastering the complex choreography of modern warfare.

Each year, this remote air base in central Turkey becomes the epicentre of a complex and dynamic air warfare exercise. Known as Anatolian Eagle and Anatolian Phoenix. These Turkish Air Force-led exercises, at Konya Air Base, gathers air forces from around the world to test and further develop their tactics, interoperability, and survivability in a near-peer, multi-threat environment. As geopolitical tensions seem to increase in neighbouring regions, air power becomes a key pillar of deterrence, Anatolian Eagle has emerged as a crucial proving ground for high-end warfighting—despite persistent challenges posed by the absence of fifth-generation capabilities in many of the participating air forces. Theo van Vliet and Danny Reijnen visited Anatolian Eagle 2025 at Konya Air Force Base and report.

Integration by differentiation

Anatolian Eagle, launched in 2001, focuses on advanced air combat training, bringing together Turkish and allied fighter jets, UAVs, and support aircraft in complex simulated battle scenarios. Inspired by the United States designed Red Flag series, the exercise became international the same year, attracting NATO and partner forces to enhance joint air warfare capabilities.

Running parallel is Anatolian Phoenix, first organized in 2009, which emphasizes combat search and rescue (CSAR) and special operations. The Anatolian Phoenix exercise hosts a real time environment to train both Close Air Support (CAS) and CSAR tactics

With helicopter units, Special Forces, and multinational teams, it addresses critical real-world challenges like hostage recovery and joint rescue missions under fire.

As a NATO member, Turkey continues to strengthen alliance integration by expanding the international scope of its flagship military exercises, Anatolian Eagle and Anatolian Phoenix. Designed to synchronize tactics, communication systems, and procedures with allied forces, the drills offer a platform for air and special operations units to train together in complex, realistic scenarios. International participation ensures that forces “train as they fight”—a necessity proven in past coalition missions. By training together, NATO and partner nations improve interoperability, ensuring units can integrate effectively in coalition missions, whether in combat or peacekeeping. Diverse experience from different countries, with varying tactics and technologies, enriches the training, broadening the skills and capabilities of all participants.

Both exercises are hosted by the Anatolian Eagle Training Center (AETC) of the 3ncu Ana Jet Üs Komutanlığı or 3rd Main Jet Base Command, located at Konya Air Force Base. The facility is the sole tactical air training center operating in Europe and one of only four worldwide. Not only serves it the Turkish Air Force but also provides highly realistic multinational training environments to allied and partner air forces.

Konya is carefully selected because the base is located close to the actual training range and designated air space assigned to the Air Force during the Anatolian Eagle exercises. The short distance reduces the time for the participants to go to their designated areas of operations, leaving more operational training time. This range, equipped with its own control tower, offers the possibilities to control each specific scenario. For the exercise a segregated airspace has been allocated for the daily different scenarios.

Purpose & Necessity – A dynamic and evolving battle scenario

Close Air Support (CAS) plays a critical role in modern asymmetric warfare, providing precision strikes and force protection for ground forces in high-risk environments. Whether in counter-insurgency or peacekeeping missions, aerial support helps safeguard troops by neutralizing threats and providing essential firepower. On the other hand, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is a vital operation for recovering personnel (e.g., downed pilots, wounded soldiers) from hostile territories. In complex and high-risk situations, coordination between air and ground units is essential for the safe extraction of personnel, making CSAR crucial in modern conflict zones. International participation in military exercises fosters enhanced coalition readiness by allowing multinational forces to train together in real-time, high-pressure scenarios. This reflects the coordination needed for combat missions like those in Afghanistan or Iraq, where CAS and CSAR tasks require seamless collaboration between air, ground, and medical teams.

The main exercise is baptised Anatolian Eagle and concentrates on air defence and air-to-air combat developing the skills of the aircrews in real time multi-disciplinary missions where all available assets are integrated. One out of two of these annual Anatolian Phoenix and Anatolian Eagle editions is an international exercise, joined by foreign Air Forces. The international edition of Anatolian Eagle 2025 was taking place between June 23 and July 4, 2025.

Where the international Anatolian Eagle focuses on interoperability and alliance solidarity, the national version reinforces sovereign capability, autonomy, and security of sensitive operations. Both formats complement each other to ensure Turkey is both a capable NATO ally and a self-reliant regional power

At its core, Anatolian Eagle is designed to simulate realistic and intense air combat operations in a contested environment. The Turkish Air Force aims to provide an advanced training opportunity for participating aircrews to improve their tactical capabilities and survivability in multi-threat scenarios.

The definition of the main objectives of the exercise include:

  • Enhancing the effectiveness of combined air operations.
  • Training aircrews in the full spectrum of air combat: offensive counter-air (OCA), defensive counter-air (DCA), SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses), and CAS (Close Air Support).
  • Practicing joint operations planning and coordination in a multinational context.
  • Evaluating command and control (C2) systems under combat-like conditions.
  • Training Methodology and Performance Metrics

Each edition of Anatolian Eagle is meticulously planned. Before the exercise begins, participants attend a detailed mission planning cycle where they are introduced to the scenario, assets, and expected threat dynamics. Over a two-week period, multiple large-force engagement missions are flown daily.

Konya Range

The Konya 3rd Main Jet Base is a linchpin in the success of Anatolian Eagle. The region offers an extensive airspace with an area of nearly 300×400 km, and a variety of terrain, from mountainous regions to flat plains. Konya Air Force Base hosts one of the most technologically advanced threat simulation centers in NATO, capable of simulating real-world Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).

Konya’s isolated geography allows for the deployment of electronic warfare systems, radar jammers, decoys, and long-range radar tracking without interference to commercial airline activities. The nearby Konya range can accommodate full-scale live fire and inert munition drops, adding to the realism of the exercise.

Anatolian Phoenix – Evolving Combat Air Support and Combat Search and Rescue

During the Anatolian Phoenix exercises, the Konya range is also suitable to support Close Air Support (CAS), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), parachute jumping, Convoy Protection and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) scenarios.

In order to achieve these objectives challenging and complex multi-aircraft scenarios have been planned involving the deployment of AWACS, fighter, military transport aircraft, UAV, helicopter and search and rescue assets. Joint CSAR procedures and C2 structure effectiveness are the main objectives while progressing through the exercise. This includes the integration of Joint/Integrated CSAR operations, combat air support and dynamic targeting missions.

During the integral scenarios, live ordonnance/ammunition is used to create an as realistic environment as possible. Per scenario, a script is followed, controlled and managed by the Konya Range control tower enabling the safe and effective execution of each specific mission. Throughout the exercise the scenarios become more complex and requires the different participants and their assets to achieve the scenario objectives.

Anatolian Eagle – Realism over Routine

Anatolian Eagle was created in 2001 as a response to operational shortfalls observed during NATO missions in the Balkans and later over Afghanistan. Its overarching purpose is to simulate high-intensity air combat in a contested and degraded environment, allowing participants to validate both offensive and defensive doctrines.

“We are excited to participate in Anatolian Eagle 25, a premier exercise that offers realistic, high-end training scenarios,” said Brig. Gen. Tad D. Clark, commander of the 31st Fighter Wing. “I had the opportunity to fly and participate in Anatolian Eagle in 2004 … and 21 years later, it is still a premier exercise and training opportunity.”

Brig. Gen. Clark added, “Working alongside our Turkish hosts and other NATO Allies, we’ll sharpen our combat capabilities and reinforce our shared commitment to regional stability.” The exercise highlights joint warfighting readiness and the strength of NATO’s collective defence posture.

Maj. Ekrem Çekin, the Turkish Air Force Anatolian Eagle Training Command squadron commander added:  “This training is designed to give aircrew maximum freedom to solve problems presented by tactical scenarios. Anatolian Eagle Trainings allow our partners the opportunity to compare and improve capabilities, tactics and procedures in a safe and instructive way through a shared vision and operational synergy.”

The Anatolian Eagle exercise is among the few air combat exercises outside the United States that consistently draws top-tier participation from across the globe. Over the past decade, the exercise has hosted aircraft and personnel from the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Pakistan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and NATO AWACS units.

The multinational nature ensures diverse airframe participation—from Lockheed Martin F-16s, Boeing F-15s, Eurofighter Typhoons, Dassault Rafales, and Saab Gripens to Airborne Warning and Control systems (AWACS) and Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers.

This variety enables cross-platform interaction, tactical problem-solving across doctrinal lines, and an invaluable experience in real-time coalition warfare. Beyond aircraft, the exercise incorporates joint coordination cells, forward air controllers, and ground-based air defense operators.

Throughout the years many international participants have joined the exercise. During this edition air forces from the United States of America, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and Azerbaijan actively participated to the exercise with many more partners joining as international observers. This broad interest shows Anatolian Eagle’s cohesive influence on multinational Air Forces.

Detailed Scenarios and Multi-Threat Environment

The Anatolian Eagle exercise training will enhance the training level of the participating aircrews and the air defence personnel by creating realistic combat theatre scenarios in operational environment., The ‘Blue Forces’ perform Combined Air Operations (COMAO) missions against the targets of the ‘Red Ground Forces’ defended by the surface to air missile (SAM) systems and ‘Red Air Forces’ simulating adversary tactics.

With the purpose to exercise and develop joined and combined operational procedures, the attritions are decreased to a minimum level in real operations environment. It provide the aircrews the opportunity to execute their planned tactics to employ in different large force composition scenarios.

This year’s training was based on the realities of modern, dynamic, and multidimensional warfare, as explained by Maj. Ekrem ÇEKİN the commanding Officer of AETC. “The scenarios reflected a high-threat environment, incorporating advanced air defense systems and asymmetric threats”

In 2025 three key innovations that distinguish the exercise, Maj. Cekin explaines:

  1. Crisis Phase Implementation. 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;
  • Cruise Missile Interception Training. Blue force elements conducted interception and elimination operations in response to a simulated mass cruise missile attack launched by the red forces. 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 environments;
  • The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in a strike role. 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 defense industry-produced Akinci, Anka-S and Anka-3 UAVs operating in the striking role. This scenario represents one of the most advanced examples of manned-unmanned system integration.

One of the most prominent and the first scenarios ever involved was the interception of cruise missiles, emphasizing early detection, identification, and neutralization. Low radar cross-section cruise missiles were engaged through joint missions involving airborne and ground-based systems, requiring full coordination.

Scenarios and Threat Environment

Each exercise cycle features a layered and evolving scenario. One common structure includes two fictitious nations—Blue and Red—engaged in an escalating conflict over territorial disputes. The Red side is equipped with layered air defenses, a modern air force with aggressive rules of engagement, and cyber-electronic capabilities to jam and deceive.

The mission types include:

  • Sweep and escort missions to clear airspace for strike packages.
  • Suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD).
  • Tactical bombing runs on high-value targets defended by SAMs.
  • Close air support with embedded JTACs on the ground.
  • Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions under enemy interference.

With each mission, the threat environment becomes more dynamic. Adversary air forces employ aggressive BVR (Beyond Visual Range) tactics, simulate GPS jamming, and perform coordinated ambushes. Blue force participants must adapt tactically—one misstep can lead to a simulated loss.

Training Metrics and Performance Assessment

One of the unique aspects of Anatolian Eagle is its comprehensive debriefing and measurement systems. Every mission flown is recorded and analysed using real-time telemetry data and instrumented airspace provided by the Konya range. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include:

  • Kill ratio (air-to-air and air-to-ground)
  • Mission success rate against simulated Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS)
  • Radar cross-section and electronic countermeasure effectiveness
  • Communications discipline and blue force coordination

•     Survivability rate: tracking how many aircraft return “alive” in simulated sorties.

•     Target damage assessment: via ground and airborne telemetry and post-mission analysis.

•     Adherence to ROE (Rules of Engagement) and mission objectives.

•     Interoperability assessment, particularly the integration of different C2 systems and

Post-mission debriefings are intense and detailed, often lasting longer than the mission itself. Each flight leader receives a comprehensive breakdown of what was achieved, what failed, and what decisions led to success or loss. This data-driven approach, according to Lt. Col. Halil Özdemir, head of mission evaluation, “transforms Anatolian Eagle into a real learning laboratory.” The performance is measured across a wide array of metrics.

Simulated threats include radar-guided SAMs, IR-guided MANPADS, AAA, and advanced adversary aircraft employing aggressive air tactics. These are often replicated using live assets as well as ground emitters and threat simulators on the Konya range.

Real-time presentation

In the Anatolian Operations Center all airborne aircraft, threat systems, AWACS and GCI cross presentation can be visualised on a real-time basis and post mission assessments can be evaluated in a joined atmosphere. This provides the participants a forum to exchange ideas, experiences and lessons learned and is a vital training tool to train the participants as they progress throughout the exercise and teach them how to survive.

In the context of the training, electronic warfare test and training range in Konya with a wide array of threat emitters, integrated with recognized air picture and Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) systems are used to expose the aircrews to a high threat environment.

Pilots and planners participating in earlier editions of the Anatolian Eagle exercise have described the exercise as a “combat pressure cooker.”

Capt. Miguel Alvarez of the Spanish Air Force participating in an earlier edition stated, “Flying in Konya is the closest thing to actual combat. We’re constantly pushed to innovate, adapt, and operate beyond our comfort zones.”

Maj. Andrew Gallion, 510th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations and 31st Fighter Wing Anatolian Eagle 25 project officer, explained. “This training is important to the U.S. because it brings us together with our partners from around the region “It gives our tactical operators an opportunity to practice large force tactics they don’t often get to employ at home station.”

Adversary role – Red Air Daggers

In addition to the surface to air assets fighters of the Red Air force will give the Blue Force participants a hard time in a simulated war environment and compel them to stay away from target areas in order to let them get the best training in a realistic environment.

132 Filo ´Hançer’ or ‘Dagger’ fulfilled the role of Red Air Force projecting the adversary role in each scenario, and thus represent RED COUNTRY. Established in 1966, the squadron has evolved into a key player in both national and international military training exercises. . Equipped with F-16C Block 50 Fighting Falcons, the squadron is tasked with simulating adversary tactics and providing realistic opposition to allied forces during training scenarios.

Each scenario is explained during the pre-flight briefing in which the set-up and the objectives of the exercise were instructed, providing the Blue Air crews a general idea on what to expect. As the exercise progressed the difficulty level increased as did the number of Red Air Force assets and capabilities.

UAV-Manned Teaming Shines at Anatolian Eagle 2025

Anatolian Eagle 2025 showcased another step forward in realistic integrated combat operations with the introduction of Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM‑T) tactics. The drones operated in full coordination with manned aircraft and air defense systems, highlighting advanced interoperability in cruise missile defense, electronic warfare, and real-time data-sharing.

UAVs were introduced in the international edition of Anatolian Eagle for the first time and took part in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions, engaging simulated low radar-cross-section threats and participating in cruise missile intercept drills. These scenarios emphasized joint action between unmanned platforms and Red Force air-defense units, pushing the boundaries of multi-domain combat training.

The fifth-generation Gap

Perhaps the most critical limitation Anatolian Eagle faces today is the absence of fifth-generation platforms. With Turkey out of the F-35 program and no other participant contributing stealth aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor or Lockheed-Martin F-35 Lightning II, the exercise lacks a vital dimension of modern air combat.

Major Ekrem ÇEKİN : admits the lack of fifth generation capabilities is a limiting factor and comments: “Without fifth-gen, we can’t fully replicate the ISR, electronic warfare, and data fusion capabilities that would dominate a peer fight. We simulate them through ‘ghost assets’ or simulated effects, but it’s not the same as seeing a VLO aircraft punching through a SAM belt at Mach 1.5.”

While Turkey is accelerating its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter program, with test flights ongoing, the lack of current stealth assets means air defense training remains heavily weighted toward fourth-generation survivability.

A Decade of Evolution

In the last ten years, Anatolian Eagle has undergone a significant transformation. Originally structured around national training needs, the exercise has become a global platform for multinational air forces. With the evolution of hybrid warfare and the increased use of drones, cyber threats, and network-centric warfare, Anatolian Eagle adapted accordingly.

The 2015 and 2017 iterations were pivotal, marking the full integration of UAVs into combat scenarios and the introduction of synthetic training environments. Additionally, NATO-standard ATO/ACO (Air Tasking Orders / Airspace Control Orders) structures were implemented, allowing participating nations to plug directly into a command structure familiar to NATO operations.

According to Lt. Col. Serkan Eren, who has coordinated the exercise since 2018, “Our greatest achievement is adapting to the changing battlefield. From peer-to-peer conflict simulations to counter-insurgency operations, we’ve built a versatile training ecosystem.”

Over the past 10 years, Anatolian Eagle has undergone a significant transformation:

  • 2014–2017: Focus shifted to asymmetrical warfare, including counter-insurgency and precision strikes against irregular targets.
  • 2018–2020: Emphasis returned to peer conflict and contested airspace, including EW threats and advanced SAMs.
  • 2021–2025: Integration of AI-assisted debriefing tools, enhanced multinational C2 architecture, and expanded maritime operations.
  • The exercise has also responded to political developments. Turkey’s suspension from the F-35 program following the acquisition of the Russian S-400 system has resulted in a notable absence of fifth-generation aircraft, affecting the realism of certain scenarios.

Conclusion

Anatolian Eagle stands as a testament to Turkey’s commitment to collective defense and combat readiness. It continues to grow in complexity, technology, and international significance, offering one of the most comprehensive air warfare training environments in peace time.

As the nature of global conflict evolves, exercises like Anatolian Eagle ensure that air forces remain ready—not just to survive—but to dominate in contested skies.

The Anatolian Eagle Training is not only an important step taken in meeting the training requirements of Turkey, allies and partner countries, but also taking the initiative to contribute the international reliance and cooperation by sharing the resources it possesses, gifted by its unique geographic situation. The country is located at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia, and therefore proved again to be an important member of NATO.

As Turkey reorients its defense doctrine toward regional self-reliance and multi-domain integration, Anatolian Eagle is poised to become even more critical. Organizers plan to incorporate space and cyber elements into future iterations, along with unmanned teaming and AI-assisted C2 frameworks.

But the elephant in the room remains: without access to fifth-generation fighters, Anatolian Eagle’s realism will remain inherently limited in preparing for tomorrow’s air wars.

Major Ekrim Cekin concludes :

Let me close with the timeless words of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the republic of Turkey,

The future is our skies. Nations that cannot protect their skies can never be sure of their future.