Turkish ship “Anadolu” in Ionian Sea for NATO exercise
The Turkish amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu (L400) sailing in the Mediterranean in August 2023. The photograph is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict its activities in the Ionian Sea in October 2026. Photo: U.S. Navy / Jackson Adkins.
CORFU. A Turkish statement confirms the warship’s participation in a NATO operation in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
A Turkish naval force led by the amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier TCG Anadolu (L400) is operating in the wider Adriatic and Ionian Sea region in recent days as part of a scheduled NATO activity.
The information comes from an official announcement issued by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence on 15 October, according to which the Turkish force is participating in the exercise “Neptune Strike 26-4” from 16 to 21 October, with activities in the North Sea, the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.
The Anadolu is accompanied by the frigate TCG Gaziantep and the submarine TCG Gür. A briefing event for journalists and observers aboard the Anadolu was announced for Monday, 19 October, in the Gulf of Taranto, Italy.
The Turkish naval presence in the region is not without precedent. In October 2024, as part of “Neptune Strike 24.2”, marine forces aboard the Anadolu conducted an amphibious exercise on Albania’s Sazan Island. The event was officially announced by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and reported at the time by Enimerosi.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
