Pakistan has become the first allied country to announce participation in Turkey’s “Mediterranean Shield” drills as Ankara eyes transforming the 13-year-old operation into an international military exercise.
Work has been ongoing in Turkey for the past 18 months in preparation for the international exercise.
Currently taking part in the Eastern Mediterranean-2019 Invitation Exercise with its PNS Alamgir frigate, a maritime patrol aircraft and a maritime special force team, Pakistan is also slated to participate in the Turkish Navy's upcoming Mediterranean Shield Operation.
Pakistan's participation in the Operation Mediterranean Shield has actually transformed the drills into an international event.
Turkey’s Mediterranean Shield operation was launched using national capabilities in 2006 to protect Turkey’s maritime security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Countries such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Georgia, Libya, Lebanon, Tunisia and Jordan are expected to announce their participation in the drills.
