21 Helicopters, F-16 and Amphibious Assault: The NATO-Worrying Turkish Exercise | Watch
In the massive "Efes-2026" exercise, Turkey showcased a large-scale amphibious assault, an airlift of 21 helicopters and components of the "Steel Dome" system — as Erdogan seeks to position Ankara as a NATO leader.
Assessment
Turkey's massive 'EFES-2026' exercise showcases a coordinated amphibious assault, airlift capacity, and elements of its new 'Steel Dome' air defense system. The scale of the drill, involving 21 helicopters and F-16s, signals Ankara's growing military ambition and its intent to assert itself as a leading NATO power. NATO allies will be watching closely to see whether this display strengthens Turkey's hand or raises tensions within the alliance over competing strategic priorities.