“Winter Exercise-2025”, organized by the Turkish Armed Forces, continues with 12,199 personnel under challenging conditions due to freezing weather in Kars, Türkiye on January 30, 2025. (AA Photo)

February 18, 2026 06:37 AM GMT+03:00

A medical unit of the Turkish Armed Forces is providing extensive and vital medical support during NATO’s Steadfast Dart-26 exercise in northern Germany, the alliance’s largest drill this year.

According to a written statement by NATO’s Media Information Center, the Turkish Medical Unit, part of the 66th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, is capable of delivering emergency life-saving care in operational areas.

Advanced emergency capabilities

The unit can respond to trauma, gunshot and blast injuries, respiratory emergencies, severe bleeding and other critical conditions.

Specialist personnel within the unit are trained to rapidly initiate advanced medical treatment in challenging and high-risk environments.

The unit also provides a range of services, including counseling and preventive mental health support to address combat-related stress.

Preventive medical care, medical surveillance, hygiene control, health education and risk reduction measures contribute to maintaining overall force readiness by reducing illness and non-combat injuries.

Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) T129 ATAK attack helicopter in Farnborough, UK, on July 16, 2014. (Adobe Stock Photo)

On-site treatment and mobility

During Steadfast Dart-26, the unit worked intensively with 97 military personnel requiring minor outpatient treatment.

The team includes one medical officer, one paramedic, five combat medical specialists, and two ambulance drivers.

The unit operates a hospital capable of providing inpatient care for up to five military personnel and includes an armored ambulance that allows medical staff to operate safely in difficult environments.

The ambulance’s mobility enables effective maneuvering across various terrains, ensuring timely medical intervention in situations where access in the field may be limited.

February 18, 2026 06:37 AM GMT+03:00