Azerbaijan army gears up for key role in Anatolian Phoenix 2025 exercise Photo

Azerbaijan Army servicemen preparing to participate in the “Anatolian Phoenix - 2025” International Search and Rescue Exercise in Konya, Türkiye, underwent a drill review on May 8.

During the review, the servicemen were briefed on the exercise’s goals and importance, while also receiving instructions on safety procedures and organisational matters, Caliber.Az reports, citing Defence Ministry.

Azerbaijan will be represented at the exercise, set to take place from May 12 to 23, by pilots from the Azerbaijan Air Force, along with personnel from the paratrooper and search-and-rescue services, as well as technical staff and aircraft.

Notably, the Anatolian Phoenix Exercises, held biannually since 2009, are designed to enhance the capabilities of Personnel Rescue Task Force units in a realistic operational environment, ensuring they are equipped with the experience needed for modern and future battlefield conditions.

These exercises involve the participation of the Air Forces Command, Land Forces Command, and General Staff Special Forces Command, and are coordinated by the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya.

Since 2012, the Anatolian Phoenix Exercise has expanded to a national and international level, incorporating jet aircraft, helicopters, and rescue teams. The primary objective is to test and refine joint personnel rescue procedures in operational settings while also improving the command and control processes.

The exercise includes scenarios that cover a wide range of Joint or Combined Operations, focusing on tasks such as close air support, dynamic targeting, and time-sensitive targeting. These exercises aim to develop and enhance the operational readiness of participating forces in these critical mission areas.

By Aghakazim Guliyev