Türkiye deploys first aircraft to Germany for NATO steadfast dart-26

2026-02-08 - 07:25

The first Turkish military aircraft has landed at Wunstorf Air Base in Germany, formally launching Türkiye’s participation in NATO’s Steadfast Dart-26 exercise. The deployment places Türkiye at the center of NATO’s largest military drills of the year, aimed at enhancing allied readiness and operational coordination across Europe. Türkiye’s role in NATO exercises The Turkish Armed Forces are set to take part in Steadfast Dart-26 between Feb. 8 and Feb. 20 with a contingent of approximately 2,000 personnel. The force includes land and naval elements, reflecting Türkiye’s multi-domain military capabilities and its strategic importance within the NATO alliance. Alliance focus on collective defense NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum confirmed the arrival of the aircraft, emphasizing that allied movements and joint training are essential to strengthening collective defense. The exercise is designed to test rapid deployment, command coordination, and interoperability among allied forces. Germany as a strategic host location Wunstorf Air Base, located in northern Germany, serves as a key logistical hub for NATO operations. Hosting Steadfast Dart-26 highlights Germany’s role in supporting alliance-wide military activities, while Türkiye’s active participation reinforces its long-standing commitment to NATO security frameworks and regional stability.