Turkish MoD Press and Public Relations Advisor and spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk provided details regarding the EFES 2026 Exercise, whose Distinguished Observer Day is scheduled to take place on 20–21 May.
Aktürk stated that 50 different weapons and systems are being used for the first time during the exercise. Among the systems specifically highlighted were the new truck-mounted Panter artillery system, the KARAOK anti-tank weapon, the Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armoured Vehicle and the Karayel-class boat.
Developed under the coordination of ASFAT with contributions from MKE, ASELSAN and BMC, the new truck-mounted Panter artillery system integrates a 155 mm artillery system onto an 8x8 tactical wheeled vehicle, enabling faster deployment and shoot-and-scoot operations. Produced by ROKETSAN, KARAOK is a man-portable short-range anti-tank missile system equipped with fire-and-forget capability for infantry use against armoured threats and fortified positions.
Developed by FNSS under Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (ÖMTTZA) programme, the vehicle is based on the PARS 6x6 and 8x8 architecture and designed for reconnaissance, command-and-control, anti-tank and special operations missions. Developed by Yonca Shipyard, the Karayel-class boat is a high-speed tactical assault craft intended for amphibious operations, coastal security and commando insertion missions.
According to Aktürk, the EFES 2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise, conducted under the command and control of the Aegean Army Command between 20 April and 21 May, involves more than 10,000 personnel, including Turkish national elements as well as observers, units and participating elements from 50 countries.
Within the scope of the Distinguished Observer Day activities, a “Defence Industry Exhibition” is also planned in a fair-style format, where domestically developed Turkish defence industry products will be displayed.
