Winter Exercise 2025: Joint Military Training in Cold
**The Winter Exercise 2025 has made headlines as it marks a significant milestone in military training, featuring the use of domestic and national systems for the first time. This extensive exercise, taking place in Kars from January 20 to February 7, aims to assess the combat readiness of military units amid challenging winter conditions, including deep snow and severe cold. A key highlight of the event will be the Distinguished Observer Day, scheduled for February 5, where various military capabilities will be showcased.**
The primary goals of Winter Exercise 2025 encompass enhancing coordination in joint operations, improving synchronization between fire and maneuver, and developing essential skills in field establishment and maintenance under winter conditions. With around 12,000 personnel participating from 19 allied nations, including forces from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the exercise is set to be a comprehensive demonstration of international military collaboration.
For the first time, a range of innovative domestic systems will be employed during the exercise. Notable among these are the NEFER Kuleli Armored Combat Vehicle, the MPT-76 Lightened Type Machine Infantry Rifle, and the BOYGA Rotary-Wing UAV. These advanced weapons and systems underscore the emphasis on integrating modern technology into military operations, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the participating forces.
The Winter Exercise is not solely focused on traditional training but also includes crisis and combat scenarios. This year, the exercise has taken into account the rising tensions between the Atmaca and Şahin nations, simulating real-world conditions that could lead to decisive combat. The Ministry of National Defense has prepared a series of visuals, news, and scenarios to reflect current warfare strategies, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for potential future conflicts.
In addition to the joint military training, the BLUE HOMELAND-2025 Exercise has also been initiated, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts among the participating nations. This strategic approach aims to provide a robust platform for sharing knowledge and enhancing combat readiness in response to evolving global security challenges.