When Turkey¡¯s navy welcomed two new ships to its fleet this month, officials left no doubt about the scale of their mission ¡ª or its geopolitical ambition.
The 3,000-ton frigates ¡°will represent our nation¡¯s power and determination in the world¡¯s seas,¡± Haluk Gorgun, head of the presidency¡¯s Secretariat of Defense Industries, said at a ceremony to mark the launch. ¡°Turkey is taking firm steps to become a country that¡¯s strong at sea, with deterrence in the field and a voice at the table.¡±
The newbuilds are the latest product of a naval expansion drive that will give Ankara added clout into and beyond the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas. The aim is also to diversify a booming domestic defense industry that¡¯s better known for its flying drones.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.