The Turkish Air Force concluded the final phase of International Anatolian Eagle 2025 at Konya where it demonstrated new air defence tactics and MUM-T.
The Turkish Air Force concluded the final phase of International Anatolian Eagle 2025 with a press briefing led by Maj. Ekrem Çekin, who underscored the exercise’s growing strategic and technological stature. Describing the Anatolian Eagle Training Center in Konya as “Europe’s only tactical air training centre and one of just four worldwide,” Çekin highlighted its expanding role as a hub for complex, multinational training in modern warfare.
This year’s exercise brought together air forces from Azerbaijan, Hungary, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and NATO AWACS as participants, with Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, and the UAE observing. A total of 75 air and naval platforms, supported by over 1,000 personnel, completed 415 sorties over 786 flight hours, underlining the scope and operational intensity of AE-2025.
New Era of Scenarios: Cruise Missile Intercepts & RED COUNTRY
In a first, AE-2025 introduced cruise missile interception scenarios, focusing on the detection and neutralisation of low radar cross-section threats. These joint airborne-ground missions reflected a multi-layered defence strategy requiring seamless coordination.
Air forces also trained against a simulated adversary—"Red Country"—equipped with real training-grade air defence systems. Complex operations included SEAD missions, integrated air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks, and full-spectrum electronic warfare operations using Türkiye’s indigenous systems.
Indigenous Systems Take the Stage
Türkiye’s defence industry played a prominent role throughout the exercise. Deployed assets included the AKINCI, ANKA-S, and ANKA-3 UAVs, ŞİMŞEK and SÜPER ŞİMŞEK decoys, KARASOJ electronic warfare systems, GPS jammers, and STORM mission analysis software. All missions were monitored live via Türkiye’s indigenously developed AEW&C platform, marking a milestone in national C4ISR integration.
Air Power as Strategic Currency
Reaffirming the strategic value of air dominance, Çekin noted:
“Air power today is a pillar of deterrence, strategic reach, and regional stability. Those who cannot dominate the skies cannot secure victory on the ground.”
He concluded by stressing that the essence of Anatolian Eagle lies not only in tactics but in interoperability, trust-building, and allied unity. “Flying together doesn't just mean sharing the same sky—it means thinking, reacting, and succeeding together,” he said.
Answering questions about the cruise missiles, it is understood that Şimsek and Super Şimşek simulate cruise missiles.
TUSAŞ’s Anka-3 has not completed the drill as it performed a controlled emergency landing recently.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
