Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN was appointed as Director of NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism on August 16, 2024.
Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN was born in Konya on November 12, 1975. He graduated from Kuleli Military High School in 1994 and from the Turkish Military Academy in 1998 as an Infantry Officer, with a Bachelor’s Degree in System Engineering. His professional experience includes tactical, operational and strategic level missions within the Turkish Armed Forces and abroad.
After graduating from the Infantry School in 1999, he started his military career as a Platoon Commander and continued as a Company Commander, Chief of Logistics Section, Chief of Operations and Training Section in different units.
He also served as; Technical and Project Management Officer at Turkish Land Forces ; Regiment Commander, Chief of Operation Department in Operational Headquarters, Chief of Support Department in Exercise/Simulation Center and, Chief of Operation Department in Operations and Command Center at Turkish General Staff.
During his military service, Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN has attended training activities, seminars, and workshops. These include the Staff Officer Course at the War College.
His multinational experience started in 2010 when he served as Company Commander in Bosnia Herzegovina and continued his career at KFOR HQ NATO Liaison and Advisory Team/Kosovo in 2016. Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN has also served in NATO as Operation Plan, Defense and Force Capability Officer at TGS Military Representative Delegation between 2018-2021.
Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN speaks English and studied for Master's degree in International Affairs at Bilkent University in 2003.
Colonel Halil Sıddık AYHAN is married and proud father of a son and a daughter.