Libyan military forces have arrived in Turkey to take part in the international EFES 2026 exercise, in a move aimed at strengthening operational readiness and military cooperation.
According to a statement by Turkey’s Ministry of Defence, advance units affiliated with the Libyan National Army arrived on Monday in Izmir after departing from Benghazi aboard a Turkish Air Force aircraft. Additional Libyan personnel are expected to arrive in the coming days to complete the contingent participating in the drills.
Earlier this month, units linked to the General Staff of the Government of National Unity also reached the designated military camp in Izmir to participate in the same exercise. The presence of forces from both eastern and western Libya highlights a rare instance of parallel engagement in an international military setting.
The EFES exercise is held every two years and is considered one of Turkey’s largest joint military drills. It aims to enhance cooperation between participating forces, promote the exchange of expertise, and improve operational capabilities through advanced training scenarios.
The exercise involves coordinated participation from land, air, and naval forces. It focuses on amphibious landings, airborne assaults, and joint fire support operations. Military planners also use the drills to test command and control systems, as well as joint operational planning under complex battlefield conditions.
Live-fire phases are included to simulate high-intensity combat situations. These segments allow participating units to test readiness and performance in realistic scenarios, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and coordinated attacks.
For Libya, participation in such exercises offers an opportunity to develop military skills and gain exposure to modern tactics. It also provides a platform to build professional links with international forces.
The development comes as Libya continues efforts to rebuild and modernise its military institutions after years of conflict and division. Greater international cooperation is seen as a key step towards improving security capacity.
However, challenges remain, including institutional fragmentation and the absence of a unified command structure, which continue to affect the country’s long-term stability.
