The EFES-2026 Combined, Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise, held at the Doğanbey Training Area in Seferihisar, Izmir, was not merely a military training activity. It served as a clear showcase of Türkiye’s evolving security paradigm and the transformation in defense technologies.
Held between April 20 and May 21, 2026, the exercise involved the participation of the army, navy and air force, as well as special forces, the gendarmerie, the coast guard and public institutions. The event, which included 50 countries ranging from the U.S. to Japan and from Azerbaijan to Italy, also demonstrated Türkiye’s capacity for international military coordination. With over 10,000 personnel participating, including 1,305 foreign personnel, EFES-2026 demonstrated its scale, while the military equipment, air assets and naval platforms used made this exercise one of the region’s most notable military activities.
AI-supported war management
One of the most notable aspects of EFES-2026 was the central role of technology. Unlike previous exercises, the Network-Land Kocatepe Operations Management System was utilized. Additionally, AI-supported analysis applications were utilized within the Military Decision-Making Process and various operational styles were tested through the JTLS-GO simulation system.
