Turkey kicks off largest navy drill in its history

MUĞLA / KOCAELİ

Turkey is holding the largest navy drill in its history with over 100 vessels on all three seas surrounding the country.

The four-day drill, dubbed “Blue Homeland 2019,” began on Feb. 27 with the participation of 103 navy ships in the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The flotilla included 13 frigates, 6 corvettes, 16 assault boats, and 7 submarines, 7 mine hunting vessels, 14 patrol boats, as well as other navy vessels.

The drill was planned six months in advance in line with NATO rules and regulations.

The drill is coordinated by the Naval War Center Command and will last through March 2.

Turkey’s indigenous Bayraktar and ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and jet fighters will also participate in the drill. It’s the first time that an exercise includes all three seas and involve air and land forces as well. After the completion of this exercise, the bi-annual Seawolf Exercise will also take place in the coming months and will reiterate Turkey’s determination in protecting its rights in these waters.

The Turkish navy has taken significant steps in recent years to increase combat capability, to upgrade its fleet, and become stronger against national security threats.

Along with the commanders of the Turkish military, National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar is also expected to follow the drill.