The indigenous and nationally produced KARAYEL assault boats were used for the first time during a boat training activity conducted as part of the Turkish Armed Forces’ EFES-2026 Combined Joint Live-Fire Field Exercise. The training took place at Bahadır Island in İzmir and marked an important step in the integration of new domestic naval platforms into Turkish military exercises.

The KARAYEL assault boats, which entered the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in December 2025, are designed with a 17-person hull configuration. During the EFES-2026 training activity, a total of 34 personnel, including amphibious marines and crew members, took part in the exercise. The activity tested the boats’ mobility at sea, personnel transport capability, transit performance and operational use during mission scenarios.

KARAYEL stands out with its high mobility and rapid deployment capability. The platform offers sudden maneuvering ability, high wave resistance and partial ballistic protection, making it suitable for challenging maritime conditions. The boats are reported to be capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 knots at sea, which provides a significant advantage for amphibious operations, coastal security, rapid intervention and fast personnel transfer missions.

During the training, military personnel boarded the KARAYEL assault boats after receiving the embarkation order from the boat team commander. Following a second command, two boats sailed along the designated route and returned to the pier after completing the mission activity. Throughout the exercise, personnel practiced embarkation and disembarkation procedures, the use of navigation aids, navigation rules and operational boat handling methods.

The first use of KARAYEL during EFES-2026 is considered an important milestone for the integration of indigenous naval platforms into the Turkish Armed Forces’ training and operational structure. In modern maritime operations, small, fast and highly maneuverable platforms play a critical role in coastal security, transportation of amphibious units, rapid response and reconnaissance activities. KARAYEL is positioned as a new-generation assault boat solution that can increase operational flexibility in the Blue Homeland.

The activity also demonstrated the level reached by the Turkish defence industry in domestically produced naval vehicles. The first field use of KARAYEL showed that platforms tailored to the operational needs of the Turkish Naval Forces can be developed with national resources. This capability is expected to make an important contribution to both personnel safety and mission effectiveness.

With its speed, wave resistance and partial ballistic protection, KARAYEL can support a wide range of maritime missions. It is expected to serve as a force multiplier especially in scenarios requiring the rapid transfer of amphibious marines, deployment of personnel to critical coastal areas and quick access to mission zones. Its debut during EFES-2026 represents a notable beginning for the platform’s future operational role.