image sourced from original article at The Syrian Arab Army participated in the Efes 2026 land, naval and air forces drills in Turkiye alongside forces from 50 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The exercises, held in the western Izmir province from April 20, brought together 10,388 Turkish personnel and 1,305 troops from other nations. Syrian officials attended an observer day and witnessed live-fire maneuvers, while units carried out field and amphibious operations in a multi-domain combat environment.
The drills showcased advanced military technologies, including unmanned combat systems, drone operations and layered air defense systems. Turkiye deployed major assets such as its flagship vessel TCG Anadolu and the Bayraktar TB3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Syria said its participation aimed to strengthen professional training and operational readiness, marking its first involvement in exercises alongside members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since the fall of Bashar Assad in December 2024.
