Helez at the "EFES 2026" military exercise in Turkey, 35 members of the BiH Armed Forces also participated

(Patria) - On the second day of his official visit to Turkey, the Minister of Defense of BiH, Zukan Helez, attended the High-Level Visitors Day of the international military exercise "EFES 26".

This is one of the largest and most significant military exercises in the region, bringing together more than 10,000 members of armed forces from 50 countries.

During the exercise, joint land, air, and naval operations, live firing, amphibious assault activities, as well as the use of modern unmanned systems and air defense assets were conducted.

The goal is to strengthen interoperability, joint action, and the exchange of experiences between partner and allied countries.

- I am particularly proud of the participation of 35 members of the BiH Armed Forces, from the declared unit of the 1st Battalion of the 5th Infantry Brigade, in the "EFES 26" exercise, and one of them is engaged in the exercise Directorate.

Our members have shown a high level of professionalism, training, and discipline, and have once again represented Bosnia and Herzegovina with dignity in the international military environment.

Their engagement and demonstrated capabilities confirm that the BiH Armed Forces can participate equally in complex multinational activities together with partners and allies - emphasized Helez.

Concurrently with the exercise, a defense and military industry fair is being held, where leading Turkish and international companies are presenting modern defense technologies, including unmanned systems, aviation platforms, and air defense assets.

In addition to the Minister of Defense, the official BiH delegation includes the Chief of the Joint Staff of the BiH Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević, and the Commander of the Operations Command of the BiH Armed Forces, Major General Mirzet Lubenović, with their associates.