Turkish Armed Forces conduct Mediterranean Storm-2026 exercise in TRNC

The eighth annual ‘Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm-2026 Exercise’ was held at the Sadrazamköy Shooting and Training Area. The joint operation involved the Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Command (KTBK) and the Security Forces Command (GKK), utilizing land, sea, and air assets to demonstrate integrated combat capabilities.

The exercise included participation from the Turkish Air Force with F-16 fighter jets and CN-235 transport aircraft, as well as T-129 ATAK attack helicopters and AS-532 utility helicopters. Land forces deployed M48 A5T2 tanks, 155mm howitzer batteries, mechanized infantry, and commandos. Naval elements contributed frigates, assault boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, and amphibious units.

Activities focused on offensive operations, air assaults, airborne landings, combat search and rescue, close air support, and special operations. Specific maneuvers included sea infiltration by special forces, helicopter-borne deployments, and free-fall parachute jumps. The event was attended by TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Speaker of the Assembly Ziya Öztürkler, and Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri.