Greece is wrapping up its largest multilateral naval exercise of the year on September 19, and Turkey launches its own m...

Greece is wrapping up its largest multilateral naval exercise of the year on September 19, and Turkey launches its own major fleet drill the very next day, in the same waters. The Greek-led "MEDUSA 15 – 2026" exercise runs through September 19 across Crete, the Myrtoan Sea, and the waters south of Karpathos. Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus are the core participants, with France and Italy contributing operational assets. Serbia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Mozambique are attending as observers. This year's MEDUSA has a sharp focus on drone threats. Scenarios involve simultaneous swarm attacks using UAVs and FPV drones, with Greece's domestically developed KENTAUROS counter-drone system deployed as part of the training. Frigates, missile boats, corvettes, a helicopter carrier, submarines, and landing craft are all taking part, alongside fighter jets, helicopters, and additional UAVs. The exercise also covers anti-submarine operations, amphibious landings, and protection of critical maritime and energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. One day after MEDUSA wraps, Turkey kicks off "Denizkurdu-I" (Sea Wolf), running September 20 to 24. The Turkish exercise spans the Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean, testing interoperability and decision-making across a multi-threat environment. Turkey's exercise peaks on September 24 with a Distinguished Visitors Day in the Eastern Mediterranean, centered on the TCG Anadolu, its flagship amphibious assault ship. The back-to-back timing is notable. Greece finishes a multinational exercise built around coalition partners and drone defense. Turkey then moves its fleet through the same geography 24 hours later in an independent show of reach and firepower. The Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean are seeing back-to-back large-scale military activity from two NATO allies who remain in active dispute over airspace, islands, and maritime boundaries. #Greece #Turkey #Aegean