The Turkish Navy converted some of its vessels into test and training ships, which coincides with the decision to support Somalia’s Navy. Turkish Navy has recently appointed eight ships to the test and training fleet. These are two ex-Type-209/1200 class, Ay Class Submarine TCG BATIRAY (S-349) and TCG YILDIRAY (S-350), two former Meko Class Yavuz class frigates TCG FATİH (F-242) and TCG YAVUZ (F-240), two ex FPB 57 class Doğan class Fast Patrol Crafts TCG VOLKAN (P-343) and TCG TAYFUN (P-342), one mine hunter ship TCG EDREMİT (M-261) and one ex-D’Estienne d’Orves-class A69 type aviso class Burak Class Corvette TCG BEYKOZ (F-503).
These eight ships are transferred to the test and training fleet.
Turkiye recently signed a ten-year defence agreement with Somalia to train its crew and protect Somalia’s EEZ. It will also provide equipment for the Somali Navy. Turkiye also signed an energy exploration deal with Somalia this month. The East African country is believed to have major oil and gas reserves both on land and within its territorial waters. Turkiye’s deepening military ties with Somalia come as the Horn of Africa nation faces tension with its neighbour, Ethiopia. In January, Ethiopia infuriated Somalia by signing an agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. The new missions of ships might start a new term in the Turkish Navy’s history, such as training and providing peace and stability in Africa.
