Anatolian Eagle 2022

The Anatolian Eagle exercises simulate a close-to-real-war-time environment, with scenarios ranging from easy to hard difficulty levels.

 The training exercise is initially planned in the 'White Headquarters' building, where Statistical studies are also completed. Training is monitored with computers to help test knowledge and abilities and to find any deficiencies of the participants. 

The scenarios consist of a 'Blue Team' which attack tactical and strategic targets in a 'Red Land' during Combined Air Operations (COMAO). The Red Land is defended by opposing combat aircraft and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

During the training exercise, the location, position and flight information of participating aircraft is transferred to a Command Control Centre (CCC) via an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system. Radar tracks and missile shots from SAM systems, AWACS aircraft, land-based radars and other anti-aircraft systems are also transferred to the CCC. Pre-flight briefings and post-flight de-briefings are carried out in the 450 capacity briefing hall of the CCC. Sorties during the AE exercise are controlled and commanded at the MASE (Multi Aegis Site Emulator) Operation Center.

Airspace for Anatolian Eagle is 200 nm from east to west and 150 nm from north to south. The main operations airspace, also known as the Salt Area, can be used from ground level up to 50,000 feet. During the exercise, AWACS aircraft give command and control support to Blue Forces and a land-based radar gives GCI support to the Red Forces. Air-to-air refuelling tankers refuel aircraft of both forces

AE-22

The 2022 edition of the Anatolian Eagle exercise took place between 20th June and 1st  July 2022 at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya, Turkey. A total of 274 sorties were completed during the exercise, with 48 aircraft and 1335 personnel from the 5 participating countries, plus NATO.

The Azerbaijan Air Force participated for their second time with a pair of Sukhoi Su-25 'Frogfoot' fighters from Kürdəmir Air Base.

The Royal Jordanian Air Force provided 3 F-16A/B from 1st Squadron, Shaheed Muwaffaq Al-Salti Air Base (Al Azraq).

The Pakistan Air Force provided 6 F-16A/Bs from No.11th Squadron 'the Arrows' based at PAF Base Shahbaz (Jacobabad).

The Royal Air Force provided 4 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4’s from 3 (F) Squadron normally based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. The aircraft actually arrived from Mihail Kogalniceanu air base in Romania, where they had been operating as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140 EAW) under Operation Biloxi (the NATO Air Policing mission for the Black Sea region). 

NATO’s Deployable Air Command & Control Centre (DACCC) supported Anatolian Eagle 22. NATO’s surveillance and control unit Deployable Air Defence Radar (DARS) had been deployed to a NATO nation for the first time. The DARS was linked with the Turkish control network and provided control during operations during the first week. 

The large Turkish contingent consisted of over 28 F-16C/D from 113 Filo, 132 Filo, 151 Filo, 161 Filo, 162Filo 181 Filo, 182 Filo and 191 Filo which took part as Blue force. The Turkish Air Force also acted as Red Air with surface-to-air assets with 8 more F-16C/Ds.

Also used during the exercise, was the Bayraktar Akıncı, a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) manufactured by the Turkish technology company Baykar. The Akinci (Raider) entered service with the Turkish Air Force in August 2021 and was presented by 341 Filo.

Other support aircraft included one KC-135R tanker from 101 Filo and an E-7T AEW&C of the 131 Filo provided the battlefield situational awareness, along with the NATO E-3A Sentry.

Also on show, but not part of the exercise

were 2 F-4 phantoms from 111 Filo 'Pantera', both painted with special paint schemes.

plus other base movements