Turkish Navy Ships Draw Crowds in Rotterdam During NATO Exercise
Turkish Navy Ships Draw Crowds in Rotterdam
Türkiye's amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu and three accompanying naval vessels attracted large crowds and media attention after docking at the Port of Rotterdam during NATO's Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise.
Dutch media described the sight as "impressive", with the ships clearly visible near the city center, close to the iconic Erasmus Bridge.
The Visiting Fleet
The Turkish naval task group includes:
- TCG Anadolu – amphibious assault ship (232 meters long)
- TCG İstanbul – frigate
- TCG Oruçreis – frigate
- TCG Derya – replenishment ship
Public Response
Footage and photos showed onlookers along the waterfront and bridges, including members of the Turkish diaspora waving flags. Unlike some naval visits, the ships were not open to the public, so most visitors observed them from quays and bridges.
📅 Duration: The ships are expected to remain in Rotterdam until Sunday, March 1, before continuing the NATO exercise.
NATO's Steadfast Dart 2026
Steadfast Dart 2026, hosted by Germany, involves around 10,000 troops from 11 allied countries and tests rapid deployment and readiness across land, sea, and air. The presence of Turkish vessels in Rotterdam highlights Türkiye's significant role in the alliance's operational capabilities.
⚓ NATO Mission: The exercise demonstrates allied readiness and rapid deployment capabilities across multiple domains.
The arrival of TCG Anadolu—the world's first unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carrier and Türkiye's largest warship—has generated particular interest among defense observers and the Dutch public alike.
