Turkish officials are again publicly referring to the term “Blue Homeland”, but without – for now at least – displaying the provocative map, which directly challenges the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

During a ceremony for the launching of two new domestically produced offshore surveillance ships named Akhisar and Kochisar, respectively, Defence Minister Yasar Güler referred to Turkey’s armament program which significantly strengthens the country’s Navy.

“With the corvettes being built simultaneously at two shipyards the simultaneous construction of these two offshore surveillance ships is an unprecedented event in the history of Turkey and in the industrial history of our country. These ships show the level that our national defense industry has reached,” said Güler, concluding provocatively: “With the inclusion of these ships, our navy will increase its strength and capability in the ‘Blue Homeland’ and strengthen its position among the powerful fleets of the world.”

Meanwhile, the PNS BABUR, the first of four ships built for the Pakistan Armed Forces, was also handed over at the same ceremony.

The Defence Minister also noted that the simultaneous construction of four corvettes and two offshore patrol vessels in Istanbul and Karachi Shipyards under Pakistan’s MİLGEM Project was the first in the history of the Republic and the country’s defence industry. He said he felt “justified pride and excitement over this success”.