On the ground at Turkey’s EFES 2026 multinational military exercise

Report Content

Breaking Defense Middle East Bureau Chief Agnes Helou recently returned from Turkey’s EFES 2026 multinational exercise, which for the first time included participants from Syria and Egypt, along with a host of returning partner forces.

In this edition of the Middle East Defense Digest, Helou shares footage from the day and nighttime drills and describes some new developments and products from an increasingly diversifying Turkish defense industry.

Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Military Operations / Political-Military
Subcategory
Special Operations
SALUTE Report
Size
Participants from multiple nations including Syria and Egypt
Activity
Multinational military exercise
Location
Turkey
Unit
Turkish Armed Forces and partner nations
Time
EFES 2026 exercise
Equipment
military drills equipmentdefense industry products
Summary

Turkey hosted the EFES 2026 multinational military exercise, which included participants from Syria and Egypt for the first time. The exercise featured both day and nighttime drills, showcasing new developments from the Turkish defense industry. Footage of the drills was shared by Agnes Helou, highlighting the diverse participation of partner forces.

Key Facts
  • EFES 2026 is a multinational military exercise in Turkey.
  • Participants included forces from Syria and Egypt for the first time.
  • The exercise showcased new developments from the Turkish defense industry.
  • Footage from day and nighttime drills was shared by the reporter.
  • The exercise involved various partner forces.