Türkiye 2022
Based on our published articles of previous editions, we were once again able to attend the press day for Anatolian Phoenix at Konya in Türkiye.
In the afternoon of Tuesday 24 May a small group of photographers gathered at Schiphol for a direct flight to Konya. After some delay, both at check-in and during the flight, we landed well after midnight at Konya. A brief taxi ride to the hotel and we checked in for some well-deserved sleep.
On Wednesday 25 May we checked in at the main gate of Konya for the well-known security procedures. Together with a small group of other press members we were escorted to the flightline. Due to constructions on the 135 Filo ramp, the aircraft were parked at the ramp on the Westside of the base. We were allowed to photograph all participants in the exercise, including Turkish Air Force S70s, AS523UL, Turkish Jandarma S70s, Turkish Army T129s and of course the Azerbaijani Air Force Mi-17s.
After lunch, the group was escorted to the nearby range for the highlight of the day, the execution of multiple exercise scenarios. As with previous editions, we were allowed on the control tower to take our pictures. With both exercises having their own specific training objectives the general goal of the exercises is the training in a realistic combat environment. The integral character of both exercises in a varying international participant’s field results in the exchange of valuable experiences using different tactics and weapons systems.
The purpose of Anatolian Phoenix is to gain experience in an international field of participants in possible ground assisted Joint Task Force (JTF) mission scenarios within a similar operational environment. During the real-time scenarios the participating aircrews and ground-team are trained in effectively deploying the Command and Control (C2) system, sharing experiences and evaluating the specific scenario tactics as an integral team, with special focus on Rescue Mission Command (RMC), Rescue Escort, Helicopter Rescue, para-rescue men (PJ) and forward air controlling. As the exercise evolves, the participants are developing coordination methods within the Joint Task Force. Bi-unilateral training formation flights and tactical navigation files are integrated including Combat Air Support (CAS), defence tactics (DT), tactical support teams (TST), fast rope and HALO elements to increase the combat readiness experience of the participating teams.
Within the scenario witnessed during the press day an integral sortie was executed which included Close Air Support (CAS), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Parachute Jumping, Convoy Protection and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The scenario started with a simulated air to ground attack performed by F-16s, followed by MEDEVAC teams extracting people from the exercise area, protected by A129s. The day was concluded by a mass fly-past of all participants. Time to say goodbye to our hosts and head back to the city for a good meal and some more sleep, as our flight back was very in the next morning (Thursday 26 May 2022). Again, a very interesting but short trip to Türkiye!
