Anatolian Eagle 2023

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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-23-2

The 2023 edition of the Anatolian Eagle exercise took place between 02nd May and 12th May 2023 at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya, Turkey. A total of --- sorties were completed during the exercise, with -- aircraft and ---- personnel from the - participating countries, plus NATO.

The Azerbaijan Air Force participated for their third time with three Sukhoi Su-25 'Frogfoot' from SU-25 Eskadrilya, Kürdəmir Air Base.

09 Blue

25 Blue

27 Blue

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 rotated a number of Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4’s.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force attended with five Eurofighter Typhoons from 7 Squadron (1st Fighter Wing), Tamim Air Base.

QA401 EF-2000 (T)

QA402 EF-2000 (T)

QA405 EF-2000

QA408 EF-2000

QA409 EF-2000

The UAE attended with three F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Falcons

3076 F-16E

3021 F-16F

3024 F-16F

1351 Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 [ support ]

NATO’s Deployable Air Command & Control Centre (DACCC) supported Anatolian Eagle 23. NATO’s surveillance and control unit Deployable Air Defence Radar (DARS) was linked with the Turkish control network and provided control during operations. 

LX-N  90443

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.

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

Also on show, but not part of the exercise

plus other base movements