Türkiye and Pakistan Conduct TURGUTREIS-XIII Naval Drill in Eastern Mediterranean

By Bosphorus News Staff

The Turkish Navy and the Pakistan Navy carried out the TURGUTREIS-XIII Exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean on February 10, reinforcing bilateral maritime cooperation and operational interoperability.

According to a press release dated 6 February 2026 by the Turkish Naval Forces Command, the drill was planned as part of regular joint training activities aimed at enhancing coordination, communication and combined naval capabilities.

During the exercise, Pakistan Navy’s newly commissioned corvette PNS Khaibar operated alongside Turkish Navy frigate TCG Heybeliada and a Turkish Navy SH-70 helicopter. The maneuver included joint surface warfare scenarios, communication drills and coordinated tactical evolutions, followed by a structured maritime patrol.

In a subsequent update published on 13 February 2026, the Turkish Naval Forces confirmed the successful completion of the drill and highlighted the continued strengthening of maritime ties between the two countries.

Pakistan Navy statements described the exercise as part of sustained efforts to promote interoperability and deepen professional exchanges between the two navies. Officials also underlined the importance of maintaining cooperative engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The latest edition of the exercise follows earlier bilateral engagements and port visits, underscoring the steady institutionalization of naval collaboration between Ankara and Islamabad across training, maritime security and operational planning.