The Efes Exercise is one of the Turkish Armed Forces’ most comprehensive joint military drills, reflecting its operational-level approach to combined warfare. The exercise is meant to take into account the geographical and operational characteristics of the Aegean area. It is carried out every two years at Seferihisar, which is one of the cities of İzmir.
During the exercise, units from the Air Force, Naval Forces, and Land Forces all work together in a coordinated manner to participate. Collaborative amphibious landing operations, air assault and airborne activities, coordinated fire support, and the efficient use of combined command-and-control structures are the primary focusses of the scenarios. Specifically, Efes functions as a crucial platform for the purpose of evaluating and improving the coordination between different services as well as joint operational planning.
Previous exercises have featured amphibious operations where assault units take beachheads, armoured and mechanised forces move inland, naval gunfire and close air support missions, and drills that involve reconnaissance and surveillance. Including live-fire phases lets attendees simulate high-intensity combat situations and test how ready Turkish Armed Forces are for real-life conditions that are as close to real life as possible.
Efes also acts as a strategic exhibition for international observers. An exhibition area is set in the ground to demonstrate Turkiye's combined assault and amphibious combat capabilities. The exhibition allows foreign delegations to get in contact with local manufacturers and learn more about the product.
