Turkey Assumes Command of Key NATO Forces, Deploys Thousands to Major 2024 Drills

Turkey Assumes Command of Key NATO Forces, Deploys Thousands to Major 2024 Drills Turkey has taken command of a major NATO naval strike force and is deploying thousands of troops to participate in the alliance's largest exercises this year, underscoring its active role in Western military readiness [54453][70222]. The Turkish Naval Forces formally assumed leadership of the NATO Amphibious Task Force and its Landing Force Command on July 1. In this role, which will last for one year, Turkey is responsible for planning and leading the alliance's amphibious exercises and potential missions in the region [54453]. Concurrently, the first Turkish military aircraft have landed in Germany, marking the start of Turkey's participation in NATO's Steadfast Defender 2024 drills. Approximately 2,000 Turkish troops are deploying to Germany’s Wunstorf Air Base for the exercises, which run from February 8 to February 20 across Europe [70222]. In a separate but related NATO exercise, Turkish naval and army units are conducting joint amphibious operations in Germany this week as part of Steadfast Dart 2026. A key feature of Turkey's involvement is the operational use of its own domestically produced defense platforms on the international stage [80228]. These movements are part of NATO's broader reinforcement of its capabilities and demonstrate the alliance's focus on rapid deployment across member states. The assignment of command is a routine rotation among member nations, but the scale of Turkey's simultaneous participation in major exercises highlights its significant contribution to collective defense operations [54453][70222]. Turkey Assumes Command of Key NATO Naval Strike Force **NATO's Biggest 2024 Drill Begins with Turkish Troops Landing in Germany** Turkish Forces Deploy Homegrown Tech in Major NATO Drill