Basbug: "Our army is more powerful and inspires fear in our enemies"

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) has been undertaking annual maneuvers/exercises under the command of the Aegean Army since May 6 to last until May 29, with top level coordination among all TSK forces. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chief of General Staff Ilker Basbug, along with other top commanders, attended the distinguished observers’ day of the military drills yesterday. The EFES-2009 exercises consist of three phases, especially specializing on air strike operations, coordination of fire support, cyber war, special forces operations and chemical-biological operations. The newly innovated weapons and systems in the TSK’s arsenal are mobilized during the practices. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Basbug said that the TSK's ability to plan and carry out collective military operations had reached an excellent level. Basbug also said the TSK's current firepower and high-level capacity to conduct night operations inspire happiness and confidence in friendly countries, while inspiring fear and concern in unfriendly ones. For the first time, relatives of martyred and veteran soldiers were also invited to observe this year's drills.