Turkey and Egypt plan naval exercise in Alexandria from 4 to 9 November

Turkey and Egypt are planning the joint naval exercise “Sea of Friendship 2026” in Alexandria from 4 to 9 November 2026. In a statement dated 27 October, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence said Egypt would host the exercise, with Turkish naval units taking part. The announcement concerns plans for the exercise, not its start.

Underwater assault operations on the programme

The training will cover underwater assault operations (SAT) and core types of naval operations, Turkey’s Ministry of Defence said. This outlines part of the training but does not allow an assessment of the complexity of the joint operations.

The participating ships, force numbers, command structure and exact sea areas have not yet been specified. It is also unclear whether aircraft and live firing are planned. These details will help gauge the scale of the exercise and the coordination the two navies will practise.

The exercise and assessments of Turkey–Egypt relations

Citing Turkey’s Ministry of National Defence, Defense Romania reports that Turkish forces and the Egyptian Navy are preparing for the joint exercise “Sea of Friendship 2026”, scheduled for 4–9 November in Alexandria. This is the publication’s interpretation, not an announced diplomatic outcome.

In Flank’s assessment, planning joint naval training is a concrete but limited indication of a willingness to work together. In itself, it does not demonstrate a lasting strategic rapprochement, a shared position on regional conflicts or an orientation against a third country. Any stronger conclusion will depend on the tasks actually carried out and whether joint training continues.