Turkish Amphibious Assault Ship TCG Anadolu Transports Forces for NATO's Steadfast Dart-26 Exercises in Germany

Turkish Forces Arrive in Germany for Major NATO Drills

The Turkish amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu has completed its mission of transporting land forces and equipment to the German port of Emden, marking a significant contribution to NATO's large-scale 'Steadfast Dart-26' exercises. The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the successful completion of the transport, which saw approximately 2,000 troops from Turkish land and naval forces deployed to Germany.

The 'Steadfast Dart-26' exercises, organized by NATO's Joint Forces Command, are scheduled to take place between February 8 and February 20, 2026. These drills are considered NATO's largest for the year, focusing on the deployment and logistical support of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and enhancing interoperability among allied nations.

TCG Anadolu's Role in Deployment

The TCG Anadolu, a multi-role amphibious assault ship, played a crucial role in the sea-based deployment. Measuring 231 meters in length and 32 meters in width, with a maximum displacement of 27,436 metric tons, the vessel is designed to carry a substantial amphibious task force, including vehicles and equipment. The naval task force, including the TCG Anadolu, departed from Foca on January 20, making a port call in Rota, Spain, before continuing its journey through the Atlantic Ocean to Germany. Ground elements and vehicles began their sea transport from Tekirdag Port on January 26, arriving in Emden on February 7-8.

The ship's capabilities include carrying various helicopters, such as ATAK, Seahawk, and utility helicopters, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Bayraktar TB3 and Kızılelma. While initially designed to accommodate F-35B aircraft, its configuration was adapted for UAVs following Turkey's removal from the F-35 program.

Scope and Objectives of Steadfast Dart-26

'Steadfast Dart-26' is a joint deployment exercise designed to test and train the operational deployment and reinforcement of ARF elements under peacetime conditions. The exercises involve 11 NATO member states, with Germany serving as a central host nation. Beyond sea transport, a contingent of 573 ground personnel from Turkey was also transported by an A-400M military transport aircraft to Wunstorf Air Base in Germany, further highlighting the multi-domain nature of the deployment.

The drills aim to demonstrate NATO's ability to act swiftly, stand united, and respond decisively to potential threats, integrating land, air, sea, cyber, and space operations. The TCG Anadolu's participation and its subsequent transit to the Baltic Sea underscore Turkey's commitment to collective defense and its strategic importance within the alliance.