Promotion of Turkiye’s contribution to the multi-national Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise in NATO releases point to the elevating role in Europe’s defence.
The concluded Steadfast Dart 2026 NATO exercise held in Germany, in which Turkiye participated with the largest force and displayed its new capabilities indicate Turkiye’s heightened status in Europe’s defence structure when the reaction from NATO is closely inspected.
Turkiye has participated in the multi-domain exercise with 2000 personnel, mainly from the 66th Mechanised Infantry Brigade and key ships from the Turkish Navy, such as TCG Anadolu LHD (L400). TCG Anadolu, alongside deploying the main land force, also deployed the Bayraktar TB3 marine UCAV, which actively contributed in the naval and air domains of the exercise.
Out of the 14 news releases from NATO JFC Brunssum’s official website on the large-scale exercise, Turkiye was the focus of five articles, approximately %35 of the total.
On the other hand, out of the 83 Twitter posts made by NATO JFC Brunssum regarding the exercise, 19 of them (%23 of the posts) included Turkiye, tied with Spain, which participated with 1500 personnel and the exercise’s flagship SPS Castilla LPD (L52).
Beyond the statistics, NATO’s coverage of Turkish participation has been the deepest in terms of dedicated posts and articles, which is a display of promotion in Turkiye’s deeper involvement in NATO’s Europe wing.
Bayraktar TB3 UCAV’s Field Debut Abroad
Bayraktar TB3 has left a mark in the exercise, standing out as the first shipborne UCAV to be operationally deployed in NATO with its international debut at Steadfast Dart 2026.
The STOL-capable UCAV taking off from TCG Anadolu performed a strike on a sea target with MAM-L glide munitions, demonstrated autonomous landing capability under harsh weather, and supported airborne C-UAS drills alongside Eurofighters and an AWACS.
Bayraktar TB3’s participation, beyond the activities, also provided a closer look for the participants in Europe. This is important considering the recently formed LBA Systems JV between Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo, which aims to answer the needs of the European market.
Turkish Navy at the Exercise with New Ships
The Turkish Navy participated in the exercise with its more recent platforms in the naval domain. The Turkish Navy’s flagship TCG Anadolu was accompanied by the following ships:
-TCG İstanbul, I-class frigate (F515)
-TCG Oruçreis, Barbaros-class frigate with Mid-Life Upgrade (F245)
-TCG Derya, DİMDEG Logistics Support Ship (A1590)
TCG İstanbul is the lead ship of the MİLGEM I-class frigates, not only being the newest surface combatant but also incorporating a high percentage of indigenous systems, including ASELSAN’s various sensors/EW systems, ADVENT combat management system, MİDLAS VLS, HİSAR-D medium-range air defence missile, ATMACA anti-ship missile, and GÖKDENİZ 35 mm CIWS.
TCG Oruçreis, with its upgrade, has received a major overhaul with an all-new mast package, ATMACA anti-ship missile integration, replacement of the Sea Zenith 25 mm CIWS with GÖKDENİZ 35 mm CIWS, and the integration of FERSAH sonar, among many others.
TCG Derya, as a fast support ship equipped with gas turbine engines, forms the backbone of the Turkish Navy’s logistic sustainment at sea and can act as a command platform.
66th Mechanised Infantry Brigade
66th Mechanised Infantry Brigade of the Turkish Army participated in the exercise with BMC VURAN 4x4 tactical armoured vehicles and BMC KİRPİ MRAP in counter mine/IED configuration.
ASELSAN’s ASLAN 150M1/G Medium-1 class UGV, specifically covered by NATO JFC, specifically highlighted by NATO, was also deployed by the brigade as a scouting and fire support platform. The UGV has been operational in the 66th Mechanised Infantry Brigade for three years.
FNSS MAV Hit the Shores
Another notable land platform from Turkiye is FNSS’s MAV (Marine Assault Vehicle), specifically developed for amphibious operations with a large personnel carriage capacity and ÇAKA dual RCWS fitted with a 12.7 mm HMG and 40 mm AGL.
The vehicle deployed from TCG Anadolu's floodable section took part in amphibious operation drills alongside other NATO assets.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
