“Eastern Mediterranean 2021” | Turkish naval exercise within NATO framework

Defence Redefined

Published on 02/11/2021 at 18:30

The Turkish Navy is organising a large-scale exercise, codenamed “Eastern Mediterranean 2021”, to be held on November 1-12 with the participation of NATO forces.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence, the exercise aims to prepare for multiple threats from multinational forces as well as to contribute to the operational readiness of the Turkish Navy (TURMAFOR) for its mission to be held within the framework of NATO. In addition to the 30 ships of various types, about 30 aircraft (aircraft and helicopters), 3 submarines, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Special Forces units will take part in the exercise. According to Turkish sources, more than 5,000 troops from 10 countries will participate. 

The NATO naval formations SNMG2 and SNMCMG2 will also participate, with Turkish, German, Italian, Romanian and Spanish vessels. Units from Pakistan and Azerbaijan will also participate, while there will be observers from Ukraine, Bahrain, Libya, Jordan, Iraq, Oman and Nigeria.

With information from: Turkish Ministry of Defence, NATO, Daily Sabah

Also read: Qatar | Participation in military competition with pseudo-state