Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm-2025 Exercise Held in Sadrazamköy
Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm-2025 Exercise Held in Sadrazamköy
The “Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm-2025 Exercise,” conducted with the participation of the land, air, and naval elements of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command and the Security Forces Command, included the organization of a “Distinguished Observer Day.”
The “Distinguished Observer Day” was held at the Sadrazamköy Firing and Exercise Area.
The exercise was observed by President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command (CTPFC) Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç, Commander of the Security Forces Command (SFC) Major General İlker Görgülü, Major General Nurettin Hakan Büyükçulha from Turkey’s Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Serdar Konak from the Land Forces Command, Brigadier General Samet Yüksel from the Air Forces Command, Rear Admiral Soner Kazankaya from the Naval Forces Command, Major General İlker Ertuğrul, Commander of the 28th Mechanized Infantry Division, Brigadier General Ahmet Burak Yürüten, Commander of the 39th Mechanized Infantry Division, Brigadier General Uğur Bor, Commander of the 14th Armored Brigade, and Deputy Commander of the SFC Brigadier General Mehmet Ali Akbaş, as well as many military officials and members of the press.
The exercise began with President Tatar being received by commando units and a speech by Lieutenant General Sebahattin Kılınç, Commander of the CTPFC.
Lieutenant General Kılınç stated that the Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel Mediterranean Storm Exercise—conducted with the participation of the Turkish Armed Forces’ land, sea, and air forces, together with the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces and Security Forces Command—aimed to achieve the highest level of capability in carrying out planned tasks effectively.
Kılınç noted that the purpose of the exercise was to develop the ability of CTPFC units to plan and conduct offensive operations, air assault operations, airborne operations, and combat and search-and-rescue operations simultaneously. He emphasized that they were prepared to fulfill every task assigned in an effective, deterrent, and respected manner within this scope.
He stated that in a period of intensified regional and global developments marked by uncertainty and instability, the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command continued its training, exercises, and firing activities in order to respond to emerging situations and fulfill its assigned duties.
Kılınç added that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to protect the rights and interests of Turkey and the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean and remain the guarantor of peace and security on the island of Cyprus in line with international guarantee and alliance agreements.
“If I stay, I’m a veteran; if I die, I’m a martyr” mindset
“The heroic and self-sacrificing members of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Command, which bases its work on the fulfillment of duty and maintains an offensive spirit, stand against all attempts that may harm national rights and interests with the understanding of ‘if I stay, I’m a veteran; if I die, I’m a martyr,’” Kılınç said, adding that the exercise conducted during the Century of Türkiye demonstrates to the world’s armies the level reached together with naval and air elements.
Kılınç continued: “On the occasion of this exercise, I commemorate with mercy Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, Martyr Captain Cengiz Topel who was martyred on 8 August 1964, all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the security of the homeland during the 1974 Peace Operation, our heroic veterans who passed away, with gratitude, and our living veterans with appreciation.”
Following Lieutenant General Kılınç’s speech, participants were briefed and the live portion of the exercise was carried out.
First conducted in 2019 and organized for the seventh time this year, the exercise was held in memory of Martyr Pilot Captain Cengiz Topel.
Planned at the operational level as a combined, joint, live-fire exercise, it included battalion task force drills involving infiltration, air assault, airborne, assembly, combat, and search-and-rescue operations.
The exercise also featured the use of a G-Class Frigate, a Kılıç-II Class Fast Attack Craft, an ATS-Class Tugboat, four F-16 fighter jets, a CN-235 (CASA) transport aircraft, T-129 Atak helicopters, T-70 Sikorsky helicopters, AS-532 Cougar helicopters, Bayraktar TB2 and Anka UAVs/armed UAVs, and M48 A5T2 tanks.
The exercise was managed by the Land Forces Command, controlled by the CTPFC, and executed by the 39th Mechanized Infantry Division Command.
Commandos presented their flags to President Tatar
After the live portion of the exercise, paratroopers jumped with Turkish and TRNC flags. A commando team arriving at the viewing area by helicopter presented the flags they carried to President Tatar. Afterwards, naval and air elements performed a ceremonial parade.
The program concluded with President Tatar presenting awards to the personnel who successfully carried out the exercise and the protocol touring the area where the weapons used were exhibited.