Exercises “Mediterranean Storm” began in Northern Cyprus with the participation of Turkey and the TRNC

The Ministry of National Defense of Turkey announced the start of joint military exercises called “Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel — Mediterranean Storm,” which began on September 8, 2025, and will last until September 12. The statement emphasized that ground, naval, and air units of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Turkish Peace Forces in Cyprus and the Security Forces Command of the TRNC) are participating in the maneuvers.

Video on our Telegram channel: https://t.me/northcyprusfaq

According to the Ministry, the exercises are held within the framework of strengthening cooperation and interaction between the armed forces of the two states. This makes it possible to practice joint operations of land, air, and naval forces under conditions close to real ones.

In the published video materials, placed on the official pages of the Ministry, footage is shown of the deployment of military equipment, crew coordination, as well as the air and naval elements of the exercises. These materials clearly demonstrate the scale and intensity of the training process.

The exercises bear the name “Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel” — in honor of the Turkish fighter pilot who died in 1964 during the conflict in Cyprus. He was the first fallen serviceman of the Turkish Air Force during an operation on the island. His name has been immortalized in schools, streets, and monuments.

According to various sources, the “Mediterranean Storm” exercises are held regularly: similar events took place, for example, in 2024 (September 16–19) and earlier — in 2023 (September 11–15).

Thus, the current exercises continue the tradition of regular joint training aimed at improving operational interoperability and increasing the combat readiness of the forces of Turkey and the TRNC in the region.