28.03.2026 13:20
In a statement from the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), it was noted that since March 26, 2022, continuous efforts have been made in reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, and the neutralization of identified mines/IEDs/UAVs/ordnance. "In this context; a total of 275 suspicious objects have been detected, of which 10 were identified as mines, 8 as kamikaze UAVs, and 11 as kamikaze IEDs. The identified suspicious objects have been successfully neutralized by the SAS Teams," it was stated.
MSB shared an information note regarding the measures taken in the Black Sea. The note stated that a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea), with the participation of Romania and Bulgaria under the leadership of Turkey, was signed in Istanbul on January 11, 2024, and that the activation process began on July 2, 2024, in response to the drifting mine threat that emerged during the Russia-Ukraine war in the Black Sea.
It was noted that the Turkish Naval Forces Command has been continuously carrying out reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, and neutralization of identified mines/UCAV/UAV/ordnance since March 26, 2022, following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War. The information note included the following details:
"In order to protect our maritime jurisdiction areas, within the scope of the Black Sea Harmony Operation; two frigates, one submarine, one patrol vessel, one maritime patrol aircraft, one helicopter, one UAV; and within the scope of Mine Surveillance activities, two mine-hunting vessels, one assault boat, three helicopters, one SAS team, and one UAV are conducting operations.
During the operations and surveillance activities carried out to date; 28,150 hours of sailing, 1,554 sorties, and 7,711 hours of flight have been conducted by maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs, a total of 275 suspicious objects have been detected, of which 10 were identified as mines, eight as kamikaze UAVs, and 11 as kamikaze UCAVs, and the identified suspicious objects have been successfully destroyed by SAS teams.
"UAV FLIGHT AND FLIGHT WITH HELICOPTER ARE BEING CONDUCTED"
In order to increase the effectiveness of the Defined Maritime and Defined Air Official in the Black Sea and to neutralize unidentified air contacts and UAV/UCAVs when ordered; starting from December 17, 2025, three TB-2 UAVs have been deployed to Cengiz Topel/Kocaeli Airport, and two frigates have been assigned in the Black Sea. Currently, four sorties of maritime patrol and four sorties of UAV flights are being conducted weekly in the Black Sea, along with mine surveillance activities.
On the other hand, the activities carried out are conducted in close coordination with all institutions and organizations related to civil maritime, including the Coast Guard Command, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, as well as the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance elements carried out by neighboring countries in the Western Black Sea. Additionally, our reconnaissance and surveillance activities in the region of drilling and research vessels in the Western Black Sea, supported by our elements conducting mine surveillance activities and the Black Sea Harmony Operation, continue uninterrupted in coordination with the relevant elements.
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, our Naval Forces Command has been taking maximum measures, especially against the threats of drifting mines, UCAVs, and UAVs, to ensure that our country is not adversely affected by the ongoing war, and our efforts are being carried out in close coordination with all relevant institutions of our state."