Turkish Navy, Spanish, Romanian, Bulgarian ships, NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and elements from the US and Pakistani naval forces are taking part in the exercise, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

“Naval exercise BLUE WHALE-2020 is being carried out successfully in the Eastern Mediterranean with the participation of the Turkish Navy, the US, Pakistan & ships assigned to the Standing NATO Maritime Group-2 which are from Bulgaria, Spain and Romania,” the Ministry tweeted.

Exercise Blue Whale is an international anti-submarine warfare exercise led by Turkish Naval Forces.

Blue Whale is held biennially as invitation only basis and considered as the largest anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Mediterranean.

It is hosted and administered by the Turkish Naval Forces Fleet Command. Exercise's main headquarters is at Aksaz Naval Base.

The aim of the exercise is providing realistic operational training in surface and submarine warfare for units and staffs of participating countries, as well as promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. (ILKHA)