Turkey and Egypt Execute Joint Naval Drill, Marking Diplomatic Shift
Turkey and Egypt conducted their first joint naval exercise in over a decade from September 22 to 26, 2025, indicating a potential thaw in relations after years of political tension. The exercise, named Sea of Friendship-2025 (Bahr El Sadaka), is viewed as a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations, despite their differing strategic interests in the region.
The Turkish Navy announced that high-ranking officials attended the drills, including Turkish Fleet Commander Adm. Kadir Yıldız and Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Navy Rear Adm. Mohamed Hassan El-Sherbeny. These exercises were a regular occurrence until 2012, when relations soured following the overthrow of the Egyptian government, leading to a prolonged halt in defense collaboration.
In February 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made his first visit to Cairo in 12 years, a move that initiated a broader effort to normalize relations across political, economic, and security spheres. This diplomatic engagement has opened avenues for ongoing political dialogue and trade, as well as military cooperation.
Retired Rear Admiral Cem Okyay characterized the naval exercise as both a symbolic gesture and a practical milestone. He noted that while Turkish and Egyptian naval vessels have historically operated in the same waters, conducting joint drills after such a lengthy hiatus signifies a new diplomatic opening, largely driven by the navies themselves. Okyay also emphasized the potential for cooperation in defense industry projects, modernization initiatives, and humanitarian missions.
Academic insights into the significance of these drills come from Serhat Güvenç, a professor of international relations, who described the event as a cautious yet notable thaw in relations. He stated that the exercises signal a restoration of trust that allows Ankara and Cairo to engage in military cooperation once again.
The joint naval drills also carry implications beyond the bilateral relationship, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics. Güvenç indicated that the exercises could be interpreted as a message to Israel, especially in light of its recent assertive actions in the Eastern Mediterranean that have raised concerns in Cairo.
Despite the positive developments marked by the naval exercise, experts caution against overstating the extent of rapprochement. Güvenç pointed out that Egypt remains steadfast in its core interests, as demonstrated by its recent rejection of Turkey’s maritime boundary agreement with Libya. While the joint exercise suggests the “bad old days” may be behind Turkey and Egypt, it does not imply a complete alignment of their strategic positions in the region.
In summary, the Sea of Friendship-2025 exercise represents a significant step towards rebuilding military ties between Turkey and Egypt after years of estrangement. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, the potential for enhanced cooperation remains tempered by underlying strategic differences.
