Turkey plans to deploy an armada of nearly 100 ships in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean on January 7 for a naval exercise called “Blue Homeland”, says To Vima.
The exercise comes just weeks before the anticipated meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signaling Ankara’s continued adherence to its revisionist doctrine.
“The ‘Blue Homeland 2025’ exercise will take place from January 7 to 16, aiming to enhance the operational preparedness of our Naval Forces in the Black Sea, Aegean, and Mediterranean. It will focus on mission efficiency, management capabilities, and the development of joint operability,” stated a Turkish Ministry of Defense spokesperson.
The Blue Homeland exercise will involve 87 surface ships, 7 submarines, 7 unmanned vessels, 31 aircraft, 17 helicopters, and 28 drones operating from the Black Sea to waters off Cyprus.
Ahead of the major exercise, Turkey has issued an what To Vima calls an ‘illegal’ NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) from January 3 to February 4. Over the period it designates five areas for “search and rescue” and “environmental protection” drills, effectively dividing the Aegean in two.
Simultaneously, Turkey is advancing its military program, initiating the construction of missile-equipped destroyers, domestic submarines, and an aircraft carrier larger than the Anadolu.
“Greek Armed Forces Unconcerned”
According to sources cited by To Vima, the Greek Armed Forces remain on alert and will monitor all movements, but they are not concerned by the Turkish maneuvers.
