Turkey and Egypt are preparing to conduct joint naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean next week, marking the revival of military cooperation after more than a decade.
The drills, referred to as “Sea of Friendship” (Türkiye-Egypt Friendship Sea / Bahr El Sadaka – Naval Exercise Special Drill), will take place from September 22 to 26.
The last time Turkish and Egyptian forces conducted a similar joint exercise in the region was in October 2012 before diplomatic tensions led to a long freeze in defense ties.
Details of the naval exercise between Turkey and Egypt
According to Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk, the upcoming exercise is designed to enhance operational coordination and naval interoperability.
Turkey will deploy a range of assets, including the frigates TCG Oruçreis and TCG Gediz, the fast patrol boats TCG İmbat and TCG Bora, and the submarine TCG Gür.
The Turkish Air Force will also be taking part with two F-16 fighter jets. Egyptian naval units will join their Turkish counterparts throughout the exercise.
High-level participation
A highlight of the event will be the “Distinguished Visitors Day” on September 25, when the Commanders of the Turkish Naval Forces and the Egyptian Navy are expected to observe the drills.
This symbolic resumption of joint training is seen as a significant step in normalizing defense relations between Ankara and Cairo, with potential implications for wider regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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