NATO member Türkiye has dispatched several military aircraft to Germany, along with roughly 2,000 troops, to take part in the Western alliance’s largest annual military exercise.
Dubbed “Steadfast Dart 2026,” the 12-day drills kicked off on Sunday and are set to continue until February 20 under the direction of NATO’s Joint Force Command.
This year’s Steadfast Dart exercises bring together about 10,000 troops from 11 NATO member states, including Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Spain. More than 1,500 ground vehicles, 30 fighter aircraft, 15 helicopters and 15 warships are also set to take part in the wide-ranging war games.
During the drills, joint training will be carried out with personnel from allied nations, with the aim of enhancing interoperability between NATO-aligned militaries. The exercises are also intended to test NATO’s rapid-reaction capabilities in the event of an unforeseen crisis in Europe.
On Saturday, the Turkish Defence Ministry announced that several military aircraft had departed from Türkiye’s north-western Çorlu province and arrived at Germany’s Wunstorf Air Base to take part in the drills.
Last month, Turkish ground forces and armoured vehicles began departing by sea from Türkiye’s Tekirdag seaport and arrived at Germany’s Emden seaport late last week, according to the ministry.
The latest deployments mark the first time Türkiye has sent such a large military force to Northern Europe, a sign of the country’s growing weight within NATO’s defence architecture.
“Such capability to deploy a large force to Northern Europe, and conduct combat operations, once again demonstrates the strength of the Turkish Armed Forces within NATO,” Defence Ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk told reporters last week.
Türkiye joined NATO in 1952, at the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. It currently has the second-largest military in the 32-member alliance, after that of the U.S.
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz as Don...
Climate change could leave Kazakhstan facing severe water shortages, longer heatwaves and mounting economic losses within decades, as rising temperatu...
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday that its Navy had struck U.S. military barracks, a satellite communications centre a...
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz as Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
Kyrgyzstan's government has banned the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel indefinitely. The Central Asian country imports more than 90 per cent of its fuel from Russia, which has faced supply issues due to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries.
A newly introduced refereeing protocol has intensified debate over fairness at the FIFA World Cup, with another controversial decision involving defending champions Argentina fuelling criticism from fans and former officials.
A United Nations official has accused Hamas of interfering with humanitarian aid distribution in the Gaza Strip, adding further pressure on civilians already facing severe shortages and worsening living conditions.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz as Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 13th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Climate change could leave Kazakhstan facing severe water shortages, longer heatwaves and mounting economic losses within decades, as rising temperatures and shrinking glaciers reshape water security across Central Asia, scientists warn.
Kyrgyzstan's government has banned the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel indefinitely. The Central Asian country imports more than 90 per cent of its fuel from Russia, which has faced supply issues due to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries.
Afghan authorities in Kabul and Herat have sought wider investment, trade and environmental cooperation with Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran and an international aid organisation.
Türkiye delivered 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela on Monday, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country's reconstruction after last month's devastating earthquakes.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Sunday that 3.7 million children under five in Afghanistan face an increased risk of malnutrition as the peak wasting season from July to September approaches.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment