Turkish navy part of NATO anti-sub exercise in Italy

By Baris Gundogan

ANKARA

The Turkish Naval Forces are taking part in a NATO submarine warfare exercise hosted by Italy through next Friday, the military announced.

According to a statement on Friday, the naval forces will deploy two submarines, two military seaplanes, and a frigate to NATO's Dynamic Manta-17 exercise in the Mediterranean, which lasts through March 24.

Also taking part are the U.S., Germany, France, U.K., Spain, Italy, Norway, Greece, and NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2.

Dynamic Manta, which started on Monday, is one of two annual NATO-led maritime anti-submarine warfare interoperability exercises.

According to the alliance, its aim is to provide participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills.

Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952.