The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the Anatolian Phoenix 2025 exercise, taking place at Konya Air Base in Türkiye, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Running from May 12-23, 2025, the Anatolian Phoenix is a multinational combat search and rescue exercises that aim to enhance combat efficiency and operational readiness.
RSAF is taking part in the exercise, alongside forces of brotherly and friendly countries, with two Cougar helicopters and their entire air, technical and support crews. The Saudi participation also includes six air controllers. This aims to strengthen operational preparedness, provide training in a realistic operational environment, and foster expertise exchange among participants.
The Anatolian Phoenix 2025 exercise aims to train participating forces on combat search and rescue operations, as well as training tactical air control teams on carrying tasks in coordination with systems of friendly nations taking part in the exercise.
RSAF has just concluded its participation in the Desert Flag 2025 exercise at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, a key joint exercise that aims to exchange expertise in the fields of planning and execution, enhance combat readiness, and strengthen relations with the forces of the participating countries. The Royal Saudi Air Force joined the drill with the F-15C aircraft system, with its entire air, technical and support crews.
Joint military exercises, such as Anatolian Phoenix and Desert Flag, strengthen integrated coordination among national forces, develop capabilities and achieve mutual benefits to bolster national security. The participation of RSAF underscores its commitment to bolstering combat efficiency and operational readiness.
