Anatolian Eagle 2022 took place at 3rd Main Jet Base in Konya, Turkey from 16th - 30th June. Inspired by exercises such as Red Flag and Maple Flag, Anatolian Eagle is run out of Konya, where a dedicated facility that provides joint training for Turkish & Allied Air Forces is based.

The main purpose of Anatolian Eagle is to train Turkish and allied pilots in a realistic combat environment, with representative opposing forces and high threat environments while limiting operational loss of life and aircraft. Different air forces are invited to participate, the purpose being to learn from each other operationally.

The vast training area, which is adjacent to Konya, includes air-to-ground bombing & firing ranges, as well as various surface to air weapons systems that are used to simulate realistic combat conditions.

48 aircraft participated in Anatolian Eagle 2022, most of which were variants of the venerable F-16, and not all flying participants were based at Konya. Also participating was a prototype Bayraktar Akinci twin-engine UAV which taxied past the photographers on more than one occasion. The Full participation list is as follows:

• Azerbaijan: 2 x SU-25
• Jordan: 3 x F-16
• NATO: 1 x E-3A
• Pakistan: 6 x F-16
• Turkey: 28 x F-16 / 1 x E-7T / 1 x KC-135R / 1 x Anka-S UAV / 1 x Akinci UCAV
• RAF: 4 x Eurofighter Typhoon

While not officially part of the exercise, a pair of Turkish AF McDonnell Douglas F-4E-2020 Terminator (upgraded Phantom II) fighters visited Konya for the press and spotters' days. Solo Turk also performed a flying display on both days.

A Big Thank You Goes To....

The Turkish Air Force who organised and ran the exercise, as well as PAO Capt. Emrah Akbay and M.Sgt. Tevfik Cimen for inviting IrishAirPics to report on Anatolian Eagle 2022.