The Volkan 2024 Exercise was conducted between June 9-14, 2024, with the participation of 320 personnel from the Turkish Armed Forces and over 30 personnel from NATO elements. The exercise was held at the Combined Air Operations Center in Eskişehir.
This exercise was evaluated as a significant step for the Combined Air Operations Center, which is set to take over the command of the NATO Allied Reaction Force Air Component in 2025, marking its certification. It also provided a valuable training opportunity to enhance the knowledge and experience of the personnel.
Distinguished figures attended the Distinguished Observer Day of the exercise. Notable attendees included NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy (NRDC-ITA) Commander Lt. Gen. Lorenzo D’Addario, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Turkey (NRDC-T) Commander Lt. Gen. Sezai Öztürk, Commander of the Southern Multinational Division/Italy Maj. Gen. Massimiliano Quarto, Head of Defense and Security Department of the Ministry of National Defense Maj. Gen. Ertunç Ertufanlı, Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans at Allied Air Command Brig. Gen. Mehmet Serkan Dan, Director of CAOC Torrejon Air Operations Center Brig. Gen. Paulo Americo Da Costa, UK Air Attaché Lt. Col. Elizabeth May Norton, and Director of the NRDC-Ita Air Operations Cell Lt. Col. Massimo Pinardi.
This exercise offered an important opportunity to enhance the coordination and cooperation between the Turkish Armed Forces and NATO elements.
Source: Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defense