The Turkish naval exercise, Operation Mavi Balina (Blue Whale), is taking place in the sea area around the Greek border island of Castellorizo in the southeastern Mediterranean, rougly 2 kilometers off the south coast of Turkey. The naval exercise – that includes sessions around Castellorizo and the islet of Strongyli – runs through to November 14 and includes the participation of warships, submarines, at least 7 ASW planes and 9 ASW helicopters. The aim of the exercise is to provide participants with submarine warfare and anti-submarine warfare training.

Residents of Castellorizo watched on as the exercises took place within swimming distance from their shore.

Turkish corvette Büyükada, that violated Greece’s EEZ just last week is taking part in the exercise as well as the corvette Gökçeada (the Turkish name for the Greek isle of Imbros), Gediz, Göksu and the fregates Anafartalar, Çanakkale, Atılay and Batiray.