NATO expands LANDCOM’s operational role in Türkiye's Izmir

IZMIR, Türkiye

As Türkiye marks the 73rd anniversary of its NATO membership, the NATO Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) in Izmir, a city on the Turkish Aegean coast, is expanding its responsibilities to meet changing security needs.

Originally established in Izmir in 1952 as the Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe Command, the unit underwent structural changes and was rebranded as LANDCOM in 2012. Today, it plays a crucial role in overseeing NATO land forces' operational command in times of crisis and conflict.

Recognizing the evolving security landscape, NATO has recently expanded LANDCOM’s mandate to include the roles of Combined Force Land Component Command (CFLCC) and Multicorps Land Component Command (MCLCC).

This transformation enhances LANDCOM’s operational capabilities, positioning it as a fully combat-ready headquarters.

Türkiye’s contributions to NATO

Turkish Colonel Gokhan Dulgergil emphasized that Türkiye has been one of NATO’s most active contributors since joining the alliance, taking on critical missions across a vast region.

"NATO has been a cornerstone of Türkiye’s defense and security policy. Article 5 of the alliance, which underscores collective defense, remains a vital security guarantee for Türkiye, just as it does for other member states," Dulgergil told Anadolu.

He highlighted Türkiye’s active role in NATO-led missions, including the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Black Sea maritime security operations, NATO missions in Iraq, and surveillance efforts in the Aegean Sea.

Türkiye also plays a key role in NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) operations by providing aerial refueling and granting access to its 3rd Main Jet Base. Additionally, in 2021, Türkiye led NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), reinforcing the alliance’s collective defense posture.

Major Christopher Morris from the UK underscored Türkiye’s strategic importance due to its geographical location at the crossroads of three continents, its strong military infrastructure, and proximity to crisis zones.

"LANDCOM’s presence in İzmir enhances NATO’s ability to coordinate land operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Black Sea region. Türkiye’s robust logistics capacity, modern military facilities, and extensive NATO experience significantly strengthen LANDCOM’s operational effectiveness. Furthermore, its close cooperation with NATO allies enhances the coordination of land operations across the alliance," Morris said.

He described Türkiye as one of NATO’s oldest, strongest, and most reliable members, saying, "Throughout its NATO membership, Türkiye has actively participated in numerous alliance missions, contributing significantly to both regional and global security. As the alliance’s second-largest military, Türkiye provides NATO with critical support and resources."

'2025 will be a pivotal year for LANDCOM'

Captain Ugur Akan also emphasized Türkiye’s role as NATO’s second-largest military power, noting, "Türkiye, with its strategic location, serves as NATO’s first line of defense against regional threats and risks. At the same time, NATO remains a key pillar of Türkiye’s security and defense strategy."

Canadian Warrant Officer Sarah Rodrigues highlighted that 2025 will be a defining year for LANDCOM, as it fully implements its roles as Combined Force Land Component Command and Multicorps Land Component Command.

"The coming year will showcase LANDCOM’s capabilities within NATO’s command structure and among allied stakeholders. It will be a year of strengthening command and control roles, solidifying LANDCOM’s operational presence," she said.