Azerbaijani military pilots have successfully completed the next stage of tasks during the "Anatolian Phoenix – 2026" international search and rescue exercises held in Konya, Turkiye.
The Ministry of Defense informed Operative Information Center-OMM that the drills involved Su-25 and F-16 aircraft, as well as T-70 helicopters. Tactical tasks were executed to gain air superiority and provide air support for the search and rescue of crew members of a simulated crashed aircraft in territory controlled by a conventional enemy.
During the operation, air support was carried out with high coordination, ensuring that risks in the exercise zone were minimized while the effectiveness of rescue activities was maximized. The pilots of the Azerbaijan Air Force demonstrated high professionalism in fulfilling their assigned tasks, achieving significant results in line with the objectives of the international exercises.
The "Anatolian Phoenix" exercises are a recurring international military event designed to improve the interoperability of search and rescue units and enhance the combat readiness of participating air forces. Azerbaijan is represented in the drills by Air Force pilots, parachute-descent and search-and-rescue specialists, air controllers, as well as technical personnel and aviation assets. These exercises play a crucial role in strengthening military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, ensuring regional security and professional development for specialized military units.
