The Greek Navy is closely monitoring developments in the Aegean Sea, especially in the area between Rhodes and Cyprus, which is expected to serve as the main operational area for the Turkish Navy during the Mavi Vatan ("Blue Homeland") exercise that starts today.
The Mavi Vatan 25 exercise is due to conclude on 16 January with a landing operation in the Aksaz area, just opposite Rhodes, where the Turkish naval base is located.
Ships and submarines of the Greek navy will closely monitor the exercise scenarios and keep an eye on the movements of Turkish ships and aircraft, the Greek navy said.
According to Turkey's Defense Ministry, 87 ships, seven submarines, 31 aircraft, 17 helicopters, 28 drones, seven amphibious drones and 20,000 Turkish Armed Forces personnel will take part in the exercise.
In addition, the Greek navy's frigate Hydra is expected to return to the Red Sea as part of the European Union's Operation Aspides, which aims to protect international sea lanes from attacks by pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The frigate is scheduled to sail from the Salamis naval base today, heading for the Suez Canal and then on to Djibouti. After refuelling, it will head to its designated area of responsibility in the southern Gulf of Aden. | BGNES
