Turkish Navy and Air Force hold coordinated drills off the coast of Libya

Amid the escalated tension in the Mediterranean, Turkish Navy and air force conducted coordinated exercises off the coast of Libya, Turkish Ministry of Defence announced on 12th June.

“In an effort to practice and improve the uninterrupted conduct of long-distance operational tasks directed by operations centres in Turkey, Turkish Naval and Air Forces conducted High Seas Exercises on 11 June 2020. The exercise was jointly planned and successfully concluded.” Turkish MoD tweeted.

“The participating assets included 17 aircraft under the operational command of Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) of Combatant Air Forces Command based in Eskişehir and 8 frigates and corvettes under the operational control of Naval Forces Command and tactical command of the Northern Task Group Command.” Turkish Ministry of Defence added.

“Prior to the exercise, participating naval units deployed to various parts of the Mediterranean Sea. During the 8-hour mission extending nearly 1050 NM (2000 km) away from Turkish territorial waters, command and control procedures were practised, exercises that included in-flight refuelling, joint naval-air operations were conducted and the maritime and air picture was built and shared.” Turkish Mod concluded.

This exercise is seen as a show of power in order to demonstrate Turkey’s determination and capability to conduct operations far from the homeland.