NATO navies began a countermine-warfare
exercise in the Aegean Sea on Monday (28 November 2016), aimed at
testing combat readiness and strengthening ties between Allies and
partners.
Turkish units during exercise Mavi Balina
Corvettes, patrol boats, mine hunters, fighter aircraft,
and unmanned underwater vehicles are taking part in the event which will
run until 4 December 2016. Dubbed “NUSRET” – after a famous Turkish
mine layer – the annual exercise is organised by the Turkish
navy. Participants will test finding and neutralizing mines, using
divers, sonar as well as remotely operated vehicles. NATO has sent ships
from Germany, Greece and Turkey to participate in the exercise. Other
Allies are participating on a bilateral basis.
“NUSRET” follows exercise “MAVI BALINA” which ran from 22 – 28 November in the eastern Mediterranean and tested international navies’ anti-submarine warfare skills.
Bordering both Iraq and Syria, Turkey is the NATO Ally most exposed to the turmoil in the Middle East. In response to security challenges in the region, NATO has boosted the defence of Turkey – including, since 2013, with air defence missile systems. In December 2015, NATO decided on a further package measures for Turkey – paving the way for more patrols by AWACS surveillance planes and increased naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Turkey faces serious security challenges from many directions,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. “NATO’s participation in the NUSRET exercise demonstrates Allies’ strong commitment to Turkey’s security, and contributes to increased stability in the region.”
“NUSRET” follows exercise “MAVI BALINA” which ran from 22 – 28 November in the eastern Mediterranean and tested international navies’ anti-submarine warfare skills.
Bordering both Iraq and Syria, Turkey is the NATO Ally most exposed to the turmoil in the Middle East. In response to security challenges in the region, NATO has boosted the defence of Turkey – including, since 2013, with air defence missile systems. In December 2015, NATO decided on a further package measures for Turkey – paving the way for more patrols by AWACS surveillance planes and increased naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Turkey faces serious security challenges from many directions,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. “NATO’s participation in the NUSRET exercise demonstrates Allies’ strong commitment to Turkey’s security, and contributes to increased stability in the region.”
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