The activities of the Republic of Turkey and the TRNC to protect their legitimate rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Islands Sea continue at full speed. The Turkish Naval Forces, one of the largest navies in the Mediterranean countries, which has and operates MALE-class UAVs in its inventory, continues to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (IRS) activities with Armed/UAV platforms.
Research Activity in the Eastern Mediterranean
A NAVTEX was announced that the Oruç Reis research ship would carry out new seismic research activity in the Eastern Mediterranean as of July 21, 2020. The NAVTEX in question was met with a harsh tone by Greece.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to Greece’s statement on the research activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, said, “Our Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa seismic research vessel has been operating in some of the area in question in the past years. Although this was the case, Greece objected to our research activity and claimed that the research site was on its own continental shelf. Greece bases this claim on the existence of islands far from its mainland, especially Meis. This maximalist continental shelf claim of Greece is against international law, case law and court decisions. ”
With the released NAVTEX, it was stated that the Greek Navy in the Sea of Islands was on alert. During the period in question, it was reported that the Greek Navy had canceled the personnel permits.
The execution of tasks such as long-term surveillance carried out by security forces in the Sea of Islands is carried out by the Turkish Navy with UAV systems, while the Greek Navy uses manned air vehicles. The Turkish Navy’s intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance activities continue on a 24/7 basis, as is routine, without putting personnel in any risk environment.
