A total of 60 aircraft from the Israeli, Jordanian, Netherlands, Turkish and US air forces will take part in Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2004 from Turkey's Konya airbase until 20 June. The manoeuvres also involve two NATO-operated Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.
Described by local officials as the Turkish equivalent of the USA's "Red Flag" manoeuvres, this is the third annual Anatolian Eagle exercise to have been conducted. Israel did not participate last year because of a political protest.
The Turkish air force selected its Konya facility to host the operations due to the unpopulated area that surrounds the base. A range area measuring 200 x 150km (108 x 80nm) will be used during the exercise, equipped with threats such as surface-to-air missiles and ex-Soviet radar systems. Israeli and Turkish companies including Aselsan, Gate, Havelsan, Israel Aircraft Industries and Savronik have provided support.
Turkey's air force plans to market its Konya training area to air forces with limited national airspace, with potential customers including Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the planned Advanced European Jet Pilot Training framework.
TOLGA ÖZBEK / ISTANBUL
Source: Flight International
