The Turkish Naval Forces, spearheaded by their flagship TCG Anadolu, are playing a leading role in NATO’s “Neptune Strike 25.3” — a major multinational naval exercise taking place in the Adriatic Sea between September 22 and 26. Organized under NATO’s Enhanced Vigilance Activities (EVA) framework, this year’s third iteration of the series involves 44 naval and aerial assets from Türkiye, Italy, the United States, and other allied nations.

Türkiye’s participation comes through the Anadolu Task Group, which includes TCG Anadolu, TCG Gökova, TCG Gökçeada, and TCG I. İnönü, supported by five helicopters, five Amphibious Armored Assault Vehicles (ZAHA), four landing craft, eight boats, one Underwater Attack (SAT) team, one first-class diver team, and a full amphibious marine battalion. The exercise emphasizes multi-domain integration, amphibious warfare, and interoperability within NATO’s command structure.

During the exercise’s media day, journalists were hosted aboard TCG Anadolu, where Turkish and allied ships carried out a joint passage (PASSEX) drill. The scenario-driven training program includes live-fire exercises, maritime interdiction operations (MIO), amphibious rehearsals and assaults, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, mass casualty evacuation drills, and reloading and embarkation activities. These coordinated operations test and enhance readiness, decision-making speed, and interoperability across allied navies.

Rear Admiral Mevlüt Savaş Bilican, Commander of the Amphibious Task Group (CATF), emphasized that Neptune Strike strengthens interoperability within NATO and showcases Türkiye’s operational capabilities and commitment to collective defense. Supporting assets also include TCG Barbaros from NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group-2 (SNMG-2), alongside Italy’s ITS Carlo Bergamini frigate and ITS San Giorgio amphibious assault ship.

“Neptune Strike 25.3” demonstrates Türkiye’s amphibious warfare, naval-air coordination, and network-centric warfare competencies, solidifying TCG Anadolu’s role as a multi-mission flagship in blue-water operations. The exercise not only enhances deterrence but also reinforces Türkiye’s position as a key maritime power within the NATO alliance.