Efes-2022: Turkey's Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise

The massive Efes-2022 military exercise was the perfect way to showcase the best of Turkey’s defence industry as well as its military might, writes Marco Dijkshoorn

Turkey’s military concluded its largest exercise of the year, with 11,000 troops from 37 countries participating on June 9. The Efes-2022 Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise took place for a month at the Doganbey live-firing exercise area in the Seferihisar district of Izmir.

A biennial exercise, named after the famous archeological site of Ephesus 40km south of Izmir, it has taken place since the 1980s and this year’s version saw the largest ever participation of foreign allies and Turkish units.

F-16s dropped multiple 2,000lb Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) GBU-31 ammunitions on the range. For the onlookers this was a very impressive sight and sound. Despite being 1.5 km away from the impact area, the flash and blast from the explosion gave a real punch.
F-16s dropped multiple 2,000lb Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) GBU-31 ammunitions on the range. For the onlookers this was a very impressive sight and sound. Despite being 1.5 km away from the impact area, the flash and blast from the explosion gave a real punch. all photos author

Efes is known for its large-scale amphibious warfare scenarios, where naval ships project ground and air power on to the exercise area. There are several landing beaches where troops are inserted, and with more than 50 helicopters and aircraft participating there is a large areal component to the exercise.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below