NATO - Oct 20 2026 - From Ship to Shore: Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness off the coast of Albania

  Oct 20 2026

From Ship to Shore: Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness off the coast of Albania

VLORË, Albania – Allied maritime, air and amphibious capabilities took centre stage aboard the Turkish TCG ANADOLU and on the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4, Oct. 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence.

In attendance were distinguished visitors comprised of Defence and Military leaders from Albania and Türkiye as well as NATO-Member Defence Attachés from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece and Poland to observe the demonstrations showcasing the ability of Allied forces to operate together at sea, in the air and ashore.

"TCG Anadolu, is a multipurpose amphibious assault ship, and one of the most capable platforms of the Turkish Navy. She reflects Türkiye's commitment to the Alliance's collective defence and our contribution on its south-eastern flank, where the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Black Sea meet," said RADM Mevlüt Savaş Bilican, TCG ANADOLU, Task Group Commander.

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The programme featured an amphibious landing at Albania’s Pasha Liman Naval Base, helicopter flight operations, fast-roping demonstrations, and TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle take-offs and landings from TCG ANADOLU’s flight deck. Together, these activities highlighted the coordination required to integrate different capabilities into a cohesive maritime force.

The previous day, Albanian and Turkish forces conducted visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations aboard the Albanian Iliria-class patrol vessel ALS Oriku and the Turkish guided-missile frigate TCG Gaziantep. These activities provided a further opportunity to practise cooperation between the two Allies and strengthen the skills that support maritime security.

An Albanian Vessel Boarding Team prepare to conduct a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operation on the Turkish TCG Gaziantep during Neptune Strike 26-4. 

Albanian and Turkish Forces poses for a photo following the conduct of visit, board, search and seizures (VBSS) operations during Neptune Strike 26-4

The Turkish TCG Gaziantep is boarded by an Albanian Vessel Boarding Team conducting a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operation during Neptune Strike 26-4. 

Neptune Strike 26-4 is the fourth and final iteration of NATO’s 2026 Neptune series. The enhanced vigilance activity brings together Allied maritime, air and amphibious forces to strengthen interoperability, improve readiness and demonstrate NATO’s ability to integrate advanced capabilities in support of deterrence and defence.

The activities off Albania reinforced a clear message: Allied unity is demonstrated through forces that can operate together effectively. By strengthening that ability, NATO helps preserve freedom of navigation and manoeuvre, reassure Allied populations and maintain credible deterrence.

NEPTUNE STRIKE is conducted in accordance with international law and internationally recognised standards, supporting NATO’s commitment to collective defence, regional stability and the preservation of peace.

Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office

ious Landing Forces execute an Amphibious Raid on the shores of Albania's Pasha Lima Naval Base during Neptune Strike 26-4.

TCG ANADOLU Task Group Commander, RADM Mevlüt Savaş Bilican speaks with Mr. Enkelejdi Joti, Albanian Deputy Minister of Defence during an Amphibious Raid Demonstration part of