For the first time in over a decade, Turkey and Egypt are set to hold joint naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, marking a dramatic thaw in relations between the two regional heavyweights. The drills, aptly named "Friendship Sea," will take place from September 22 to 26, 2025, and represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore diplomatic and military cooperation after years of tension.
The announcement, made by the Turkish Defense Ministry and widely reported by outlets such as Greek Reporter, Devdiscourse, and Ekathimerini, signals the first such military collaboration since October 2012. The two countries, once at loggerheads over political and regional disputes, are now charting a new course—one that could reshape the balance of power and diplomacy in the eastern Mediterranean.
The upcoming exercises are no small affair. According to Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk, Turkey will deploy an impressive array of naval and air assets, including the frigates TCG Oruçreis and TCG Gediz, fast patrol boats TCG İmbat and TCG Bora, the submarine TCG Gür, and two F-16 fighter jets. Egyptian naval units will also participate, joining their Turkish counterparts in a series of drills designed to enhance operational coordination and interoperability.
The highlight of the week will be the "Distinguished Visitors Day" on September 25, when the top commanders of both navies are expected to observe the exercises. This high-level attendance underscores the symbolic and practical significance of the event, as both nations seek to demonstrate their renewed commitment to cooperation and regional stability.
But how did we get here? The path to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Relations between Ankara and Cairo soured dramatically after Egypt's 2023 military coup, which ousted President Mohammed Morsi—a figure closely aligned with Turkey's ruling party and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. The fallout was swift: Egypt declared the Brotherhood a terrorist organization, and diplomatic ties were frozen. The last joint naval exercise, held in 2012, became a distant memory as each country pursued divergent policies, particularly in Libya and the broader eastern Mediterranean.
The situation began to shift in 2023, when both countries agreed to repair relations and reappoint ambassadors. Since then, there has been a steady stream of visits between Turkish and Egyptian leaders and officials, each one chipping away at the wall of distrust that had built up over the years. According to The National, the exchange of ambassadors was a turning point, paving the way for broader cooperation on diplomatic, economic, and security fronts.
One area where the two countries have found common ground is their stance on Israel's military operations in Gaza. Both Ankara and Cairo have taken a firm stand against the ongoing conflict, working together to push for a ceasefire. This shared position has not only aligned their diplomatic efforts but also provided a platform for joint action in the region—a far cry from the days when they were openly at odds over almost every major issue.
The "Friendship Sea" exercise, therefore, is more than just a military drill. It's a public declaration that the era of estrangement is over, at least for now. As Devdiscourse reported, the drills are intended to "strengthen military ties and regional cooperation," signaling a willingness to move beyond past grievances in pursuit of mutual interests.
For observers in the region, the return of Turkish-Egyptian military cooperation is a development with far-reaching implications. The eastern Mediterranean has long been a flashpoint for competing claims and rival alliances, with disputes over maritime boundaries, energy resources, and political influence routinely threatening to spill over into open conflict. The resumption of joint drills by two of the region's most powerful militaries could serve as a stabilizing force—or, depending on how the cooperation evolves, introduce new complexities into an already volatile landscape.
The drills themselves are expected to be comprehensive, involving a mix of naval maneuvers, air operations, and joint command exercises. Turkish frigates and patrol boats will operate alongside Egyptian ships, practicing everything from coordinated movements to simulated combat scenarios. The inclusion of F-16 fighter jets adds an aerial dimension, reflecting the growing sophistication of both countries' military capabilities.
"This joint exercise is seen as a significant step in normalizing defense relations between Ankara and Cairo," Greek Reporter noted, highlighting the broader context of regional security. The presence of both nations' top naval commanders on September 25 is expected to send a clear message: Turkey and Egypt are back at the table, ready to work together on issues of mutual concern.
Of course, not everyone is convinced that the rapprochement will be smooth sailing. Some analysts caution that deep-seated differences remain, particularly regarding Libya and other hotspots where Turkish and Egyptian interests do not always align. However, the willingness to set aside those differences—at least temporarily—suggests a pragmatic approach that prioritizes stability and shared gains over lingering resentments.
In the months leading up to the exercises, both governments have emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation. Multiple sources, including Ekathimerini and The National, have reported on the flurry of diplomatic activity, from high-level meetings to working group sessions focused on security and economic development. The message is clear: both sides see value in rebuilding trust, even if the process is gradual and occasionally fraught with setbacks.
The joint naval drills are also being closely watched by other regional players, who are keen to see how the renewed partnership might affect the broader dynamics of the eastern Mediterranean. With energy exploration, migration, and security concerns all on the table, the ability of Turkey and Egypt to cooperate—or not—will have ripple effects far beyond their own borders.
For now, though, the focus is on the upcoming exercises and what they represent: a chance to turn the page on a decade of discord and chart a new course toward collaboration. As ships and jets assemble in the eastern Mediterranean, all eyes will be on Turkey and Egypt, watching to see whether this "Friendship Sea" truly marks the dawn of a new era.
As September 22 approaches, the world will be watching closely, eager to see whether these historic drills will lay the groundwork for lasting partnership—or simply serve as a fleeting moment of unity in a region where alliances are often as unpredictable as the sea itself.