Anatolian Eagle is a multinational military exercise that takes place in Turkey. The exercise is designed to enhance the interoperability and combat readiness of participating nations’ air forces. The event is held biannually and is typically attended by several NATO member countries as well as other partner nations.
Since its establishment in 2001, 43 AEs have been performed at the training center located at the 3rd Main Jet Base at Konya. A total of 15 NATO countries have participated in them, including France, Italy, Germany, the United States, and Spain.
This years exercise will be particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the event. The theme for Anatolian Eagle 2023 was “Stronger Together,” and it focused on improving the coordination and communication between participating air forces.
The exercise was hosted by the Turkish Air Force at the Konya Air Base in central Turkey. The base is one of the largest and most modern air bases in the country and is equipped with advanced facilities and infrastructure. The location of the base provides an ideal environment for air combat training due to its proximity to a large training airspace and the absence of civilian air traffic.
The unique feature of the event is the size of the airspace and tactical ranges —180-215 nautical miles wide max — which allows for more than 60 aircraft to employ their tactics away from any surrounding air traffic for AE missions.
The 2023 edition included five international participants alongside Turkish units — Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom — which all contributed their own assets. Additionally, NATO as an organization, also provided one of its E-3 AWACS aircraft for the event. Observers on the ground comprised personnel from Morocco, Libya, and Georgia.
During the exercise, participating air forces engaged in a series of realistic training scenarios designed to simulate a range of combat situations. These scenarios will test the participants’ ability to work together and coordinate their actions effectively. The exercise will also involve ground-based air defense systems, allowing participants to practice operating in a complex and dynamic air defense environment.
Anatolian Eagle 2023 provided an excellent opportunity for participating air forces to enhance their interoperability and combat readiness. The exercise will also promote greater cooperation and understanding between participating nations, further strengthening the bonds between them.
In conclusion, Anatolian Eagle proved to be a significant event for the participating air forces and the host nation, Turkey. The exercise will provide a unique opportunity for nations to improve their combat readiness and interoperability while fostering greater cooperation and understanding between them. The theme of “Stronger Together” encapsulates the spirit of the exercise and highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in modern air combat.
