Within the scope of the exercise carried out by the Naval Forces Command on 9-20 November, observers and press members were briefed at Aksaz Naval Base in Marmaris district of Muğla.
Submarine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Ahmet Labor explained the purpose, importance and execution phases of the exercise in the briefing.
Worker said that the exercise, which made significant contributions to improving the operational capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces and increasing cooperation and interoperability between the navies of friendly and allied countries, was carried out this year by the Submarine Fleet Command, under the control of the Naval Command, with the planning of the Naval Forces Command.
Stating that the Blue Whale Exercise has a special meaning for them, Worker said, "During the 140 years since the foundations of Turkish maritime were laid in 1886, our submarine fleet has become one of the basic elements of the deterrent power of our navy. Today, as representatives of this deep-rooted heritage, we are happy to host the 10th Blue Whale Invitation Exercise." he said.
Worker emphasized that the Turkish Submarine Fleet is among the leading fleets of NATO with its 13 active submarines, and that it effectively deploys its submarines in the surrounding seas and carries out operations to maintain a constant presence underwater.
Pointing out that the Blue Whale-2026 Call Exercise, held in the Eastern Mediterranean on November 9-20, is an international Anti-Submarine Warfare exercise hosted by Türkiye every two years, İşler said:
"Simultaneously with the exercise, the ability of our headquarters and operations centers to plan, dispatch and manage the operation will be evaluated. The main purpose of the exercise is to improve the knowledge, skills and operational readiness levels of the participating units and commands for Anti-Submarine Warfare. To increase their ability to carry out joint operations in an environment suitable for real operational conditions and to test the tactics and procedures applied in this context. The command-control and coordination of the exercise will be carried out. "While the activities are carried out by headquarters and units that will operate in five different regions, the Naval Warfare Center Command in Gölcük and the Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography Department in Istanbul will contribute to the execution of the exercise."
Worker stated that 8 submarines, 11 warships, 5 helicopters, 3 maritime patrol planes, 2 unmanned aerial vehicles, 1 unmanned underwater vehicle (UAV) of the Naval Forces will take part in the execution phase of the exercise, and 3 coast guard boats from the Coast Guard Command will also participate in the exercise.
Large participation from 12 countries in the exercise
Worker pointed out that in addition to national elements, there was a wide range of participation in the exercise from friendly and allied countries this year, as every year.
The worker said:
"The exercise will include 2 warships of the Spanish Navy, a warship of the Greek Navy, serving within the NATO Permanent Maritime Task Group-2, as well as a warship of the United States Navy under their national control, a maritime patrol aircraft of the Pakistani Navy, and 15 foreign observers from 8 different countries. Considering the participating elements, the Blue Whale Invitation Exercise will be attended by more than 4,500 personnel from 12 countries, friendly and allied countries. "It is evaluated that it will make significant contributions to the development of the joint operation capabilities of the naval forces."
After the press briefing, Aselsan's "Deep Eye" and "Kılıç" underwater vehicles were introduced.
In the briefing hall, the stands where the products of Defense Industry companies were promoted were visited.
