Sudan participates in Turkey’s Blue Whale naval exercise

November 12, 2026 (ANKARA) – Sudan has joined the Mavi Balina-2026 international naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean as an official observer.

The advanced anti-submarine warfare drills, hosted by the Turkish naval forces, launched earlier this week and will run until November 20.

The Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed the Sudanese delegation’s participation in a formal statement published on its official website, msb.gov.tr.

According to the ministry, Sudan is attending the exercises in an observer capacity alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Morocco, Mauritania, Indonesia, and Mozambique.

These observer nations are monitoring active field manoeuvres conducted by forces from Turkey, the United States, Pakistan, and NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2.

The maritime operations are currently being directed from the Aksaz Naval Base in Turkey’s southwestern Mugla province.

The biennial Blue Whale exercises are designed to improve joint maritime security coordination and enhance anti-submarine warfare readiness among participating militaries.

Sudan’s presence at the NATO-backed drills reflects its ongoing efforts to diversify its defence partnerships and strengthen military cooperation with Ankara.