The United States will join NATO allies in a multinational air force exercise hosted by Turkey from June 23 to July 4, the US Department of Defense’s media service said.
Fighter jets from the US 31st Fighter Wing, stationed at Aviano Airbase, Italy, will take part in the “Anatolian Eagle 25” exercise, which will be held at the 3rd Main Jet Base in the central Turkish city of Konya.
The exercise brings together air forces from a range of partner countries and aims to improve operational coordination through joint combat training under realistic conditions.
Brig. Gen. Tad D. Clark, commander of the 31st Fighter Wing, said the drills provide “realistic, high-end training” and strengthen the ability of allied forces to operate together.
Clark described Anatolian Eagle as a long-standing and valuable opportunity for operational readiness and emphasized the importance of working closely with Turkey and other NATO partners.
The drills come as the Middle East remains volatile, with the Israel-Iran conflict in its second week and concerns rising about potential spillover into neighboring regions.