The BLUE WHALE-24 invitation exercise has begun.

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The Mavi Balina-24 Invitation Exercise, conducted by the Naval Command under the auspices of Turkey, has begun. The exercise, which will focus on Submarine Warfare (DSH) training, will continue until November 15.

NATO, THE USA, AND PAKISTAN WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXERCISE

This year's Mavi Balina-24 Invitation Exercise will be held in the Eastern Mediterranean from November 4 to 15, 2024, with the participation of elements from the Turkish Naval Forces Command, Air Forces Command, and Coast Guard Command, NATO Standing Naval Task Group-2 (SNMG-2) elements, maritime patrol aircraft from the USA and Pakistan, and observers from 11 different countries.

The exercise aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participating elements in submarine warfare, as well as to increase their preparedness levels for real operations and missions. Among the objectives of the exercise is to improve the capability of multinational surface, submarine, and maritime air elements to conduct joint operations.

The exercise consists of 5 phases, including the gathering of forces and port activities in Aksaz and Dalaman, conducting submarine warfare training in the Eastern Mediterranean, and performing an evaluation at the end of the exercise in Aksaz.

FIRST MARITIME TRAINING, THEN ACADEMIC PANEL

Within the scope of the exercise, maritime training will be conducted, primarily focusing on submarine warfare training from basic to advanced levels. An "Impact of Emerging Technology on Underwater Warfare" themed Academic Panel will be held, with participation from Defense Industry Companies and field expert academics.

The elements participating in the large-scale exercise are as follows:

Turkish Naval Forces Command:

Submarine 5

Frigate 3

Corvette 1

Patrol Boat 1

Refueling Ship 1

Supply Communication Support Ship 1

Rescue Ship 2

Maritime Patrol Aircraft 4 Helicopters 7

Turkish Air Forces Command:

8/10 F-16 Fighter Jets

NATO Standing Task Group-2 (SNMG-2):

Spain (1 Frigate and 1 Logistics Support Ship)

Canada (1 Frigate)

Greece (1 Frigate)

Turkey (1 Frigate)

4. Friendly/Allied Countries:

USA (1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft)

Pakistan (1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft)