The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence.
The event was attended by senior officials, including defence and military leaders from Albania and Türkiye, as well as defence attachés from NATO member countries Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece and Poland. They observed demonstrations showcasing the ability of Allied forces to operate together at sea, in the air and on land.
“TCG Anadolu is a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship and one of the most capable platforms in the Turkish Navy. It reflects Türkiye’s commitment to the Alliance’s collective defence and our contribution to its southeastern flank, where the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas meet,” said Rear Admiral Mevlut Savash Bilican, commander of the task group aboard TCG ANADOLU.
The programme included an amphibious landing at Albania’s Pashaliman Naval Base, helicopter flight operations, helicopter fast-rope demonstrations, and take-offs and landings of TB3 unmanned aerial vehicles from TCG ANADOLU’s flight deck. Together, these activities highlighted the coordination required to integrate different capabilities into a cohesive maritime force.
A day earlier, Albanian and Turkish forces conducted Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations aboard the Albanian Iliria-class patrol vessel ALS Oriku and the Turkish guided-missile frigate TCG Gaziantep. These activities provided another opportunity to practise cooperation between the two Allies and strengthen the capabilities that support maritime security.
Neptune Strike 26-4 is the fourth and final iteration of NATO’s Neptune series of activities for 2026. This enhanced vigilance activity brings together Allied maritime, air and amphibious forces to strengthen interoperability, increase readiness and demonstrate NATO’s ability to integrate advanced capabilities in support of deterrence and defence.
The activities conducted off the Albanian coast reinforced a clear message: Allied unity is demonstrated through forces capable of operating effectively together. By strengthening this ability, NATO helps preserve freedom of navigation and manoeuvre, ensure the security of Allied populations and maintain a credible deterrent capability.
NEPTUNE STRIKE is conducted in accordance with international law and internationally recognised standards, supporting NATO’s commitment to collective defence, regional stability and the preservation of peace.
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