Amphibious landing capabilities tested during NATO Exercise “Neptune Strike 26-4” in Albania and Türkiye

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 14:53

In the Bay of Vlora and at the Pashaliman Naval Base, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted the joint NATO exercise “Neptune Strike 26-4”, focusing on testing operational capabilities, enhancing readiness and strengthening cooperation among Allies.

The exercise involved an Albanian Naval Force vessel and the Albanian Boarding Team, alongside the Turkish Naval Force vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep.

The exercise included amphibious landing capabilities, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters.

The objectives of “Neptune Strike 26-4” were to test the capabilities for deployment and manoeuvring from sea to shore, demonstrate readiness and Allied cooperation, strengthen freedom of navigation and manoeuvre, and enhance NATO interoperability across various operational domains.

The exercise was observed by Deputy Minister of Defence Enkelejd Joti; Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Razie Mehmeti; Commander of the Albanian Naval Force, Rear Admiral Arsen Mullaj; Ambassador of Türkiye to Albania, Barış Ceyhun Erciyes; Turkish Defence Attaché, Colonel Murat İlhan; Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces’ Amphibious Task Group, Rear Admiral Mevlüt Savaş Bilican; Commander of the Turkish Naval Task Group, Colonel Enis Tek; and Commander of the TCG Anadolu (L400), Colonel Sait Irkgrucu.