Turkey and Egypt holding massive joint naval drill encircling Israel

The Israeli Navy has increased patrols along its Mediterranean coastline and deployed reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the exercise in real time.

By Hezy Laing

In a move that has stirred Israel’s unease, Turkey and Egypt are launching their first joint naval exercise in over a decade, staging a large-scale operation in the Eastern Mediterranean that effectively encircles Israel from both the north and south.

The drill, dubbed “Sea of Friendship,” runs from September 22 to 26, 2025, and includes a formidable array of military assets.

Turkey has deployed frigates TCG Oruçreis and TCG Gediz, patrol boats Imbat and Bora, the submarine TCG Gür, and F-16 fighter jets.

Egypt’s contribution includes its flagship ENS Tahya Misr and the Fouad Zekry, among other vessels.

Officially, the exercise is described as a step toward enhancing bilateral relations and improving mutual operability between the two nations.

However, its timing—just weeks after Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza—has led analysts to interpret it as a strategic signal.

Both Ankara and Cairo have publicly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, and their joint maneuver is widely seen as a show of regional alignment against Israel.

The location of the drill is particularly significant.

By spanning waters off Egypt’s northern coast and Turkey’s southern flank, the exercise places Israeli naval routes within a zone of heightened surveillance and potential pressure.

High-level observers from both navies attended the operation, underscoring the seriousness of the coordination and hinting at the possibility of deeper strategic ties between the two countries.

Israel has responded to the joint Egypt–Turkey naval drill with heightened vigilance and strategic recalibration.

The Israeli Navy has increased patrols along its Mediterranean coastline and deployed reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the exercise in real time.

Intelligence units are analyzing ship movements and communications to assess potential threats.

Defense officials have expressed concern over the drill’s symbolic encirclement, viewing it as a challenge to Israel’s maritime dominance.

Diplomatically, Israel has reached out to Washington and Athens to reinforce regional alliances and ensure freedom of navigation.

While avoiding direct confrontation, Israel is preparing contingency plans should the coordination evolve into hostile posturing.

Though framed as a gesture of friendship, the Sea of Friendship drill marks a notable shift in regional dynamics.

As tensions continue to simmer, Israel remains vigilant, aware that symbolic maneuvers can carry strategic weight.

Adding to Israel’s concerns is Egypt’s military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula.

Israeli intelligence estimates that Egypt has deployed nearly 40,000 troops—far exceeding the limits set by the 1979 peace treaty.

Satellite imagery reveals expanded airbases, underground bunkers, and suspected missile storage facilities.

While Egypt claims the buildup is defensive, aimed at preventing a potential influx of Palestinian refugees from Gaza, Israeli officials fear it could signal a shift in Cairo’s strategic posture.

The combination of Egypt’s Sinai militarization and its joint naval drill with Turkey suggests a coordinated regional stance that Israel cannot ignore.