NATO’s largest full-scale field exercise of 2026, Steadfast Dart 2026, is ongoing with the participation of approximately 2,000 personnel from the Turkish Armed Forces, based primarily in Germany.
Held between 8–25 February, this major exercise is being conducted concurrently with Germany’s Northern Quadriga and Grand Quadriga exercises. Within this large-scale operation, TCG ANADOLU and the unmanned platforms operating from it are undertaking critical missions.
Bayraktar TB3 to Conduct Firing Tests in the Baltic Sea
Within the scope of the exercise planning, an important phase will be entered in the Baltic Sea on 17–18 February 2026. Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicles deployed on board TCG ANADOLU will carry out live firings against designated targets. Following this activity, which will be monitored by the Commander of the Naval Forces from TCG ANADOLU, it is planned that the Chief of the General Staff and the Commander of the Land Forces will attend the Distinguished Observers Day to be held on 20 February.
Within the exercise schedule, the Anadolu Turkish Naval Task Group continues its deployment in the region by conducting port visits to Emden on 6–8 February and to Kiel between 11–14 February.
Current Situation in Defense Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations
Within the framework of Türkiye’s activities carried out under international military cooperation, the signing process of the Military Framework Agreement signed with the Republic of Ecuador was completed on 5 February. In parallel, the 13th Türkiye–Republic of Korea Land Forces Cooperation Meeting is being held in Türkiye between 8–13 February.
As part of activities in the Aegean Sea, within the framework of the Confidence-Building Measures implementation plan between Türkiye and Greece, it is envisaged that a delegation from the Naval Forces Command will participate in the meeting to be held in Athens between 17–19 February. Through these activities, Türkiye continues its active and constructive role within NATO, where it will enter the 74th year of its membership on 18 February.
Source: C4Defence – MSB
