Turkish, Greek, and British ships are participating in joint military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Turkish frigate TCG Gökçeada, the British ship HMS Duncan, and the Greek ship HS Limnos conducted training exercises as part of NATO Standing Maritime Group-2. After the rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean in the summer of 2020, Turkish and Greek warships, which had faced off, conducted a joint exercise under the NATO umbrella for the first time in three years.
- Turkey
- Published Date: 01:56 | 19 July 2023
- Modified Date: 01:59 | 19 July 2023
The Ministry of National Defense announced on social media that the ships of NATO Standing Maritime Group-2 conducted training exercises. The statement mentioned that the Turkish frigate TCG Gökçeada, the British ship HMS Duncan, and the Greek ship HS Limnos participated in the training. The social media post also included photos from the exercise.
As part of the exercise conducted under NATO, the warships of the three countries worked on collaborative scenarios to counter potential air attacks. After the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean in the summer of 2020, Turkish and Greek warships, which were in confrontation, conducted a joint exercise under the NATO umbrella after 3 years.
Greek Kathimerini newspaper commented, "The exercise reflected efforts to enhance military cooperation between Türkiye and Greece and NATO's desire to assist in this regard." Regarding the role of HMS Duncan, the British warship played a "bridge" role between Turkish and Greek warships. The exercise was planned at the Northwood NATO headquarters in the UK to support efforts to improve Turkish-Greek relations.