Exercise ‘EFES-2026': Syria participates in drill in Türkiye for first time
Syria participated in Exercise ‘EFES-2026', culminating in an air assault on 21 May. (Turkish MoD)
Syria participated in Exercise ‘EFES-2026', held in the Doğanbey firing and exercise area in Izmir, Türkiye, for the first time on 20-21 May 2026, a Turkish Army officer told international journalists including Janes in Izmir on 19 May. The exercise aimed to train personnel from participating countries in the planning, coordination, and execution of combined and joint operations and to enhance interoperability.
Over 10,000 personnel, including 1,305 from 50 countries, participated in ‘EFES-2026', which entered the live exercise phase on 20 May, lasting until 21 May. During the exercise, Syria provided 20 soldiers and 11 observers participating in an air assault and sniper marksmanship.
Also participating in the air assault, conducted on 21 May, were Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Niger, North Macedonia, and Romania, with lift provided by 17 Turkish helicopters, including three Chinooks, escorted by four ATAK combat helicopters.
Syrian troops used a mix of their own and Turkish equipment, according to the Turkish Army officer.
The other countries that participated in ‘EFES-2026' for the first time were Bulgaria, Egypt, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Vietnam.
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