The Turkish Navy corvette TCG Kınalıada (F-514) conducted joint naval exercises with the Libyan National Army Navy during a port visit to Benghazi, Turkey’s defense ministry said.
The visit included high-level meetings between Turkish and Libyan delegations. Defense and Security General Director Major General İlkay Altındağ — recently promoted to lieutenant general following the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) decisions — met with Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army and Commander of the Land Forces General Saddam Hafter.
“One Libya, One Army” Goal
Talks focused on cooperation under the principle of “One Libya, One Army,” the ministry said. Turkey’s Ambassador to Libya Güven Begeç and Consul General in Benghazi Serkan Kıramanlıoğlu also joined the meetings.
After the talks, General Saddam Hafter toured the TCG Kınalıada, underscoring the symbolic importance of the naval engagement.
PASSEX and PHOTEX Exercises
During the visit, TCG Kınalıada took part in PASSEX (Passing Exercise) and PHOTEX (Photo Exercise) drills alongside Libyan patrol boats TBZ-14, TBZ-15, and a TCB-59 helicopter.
Rear Admiral Abid Mesud Jouda, Commander of the Benghazi Naval Base, attended the coordination meeting with senior staff and ship commanders.
The joint drills tested communication and maneuvering skills, enhancing “interoperability” between the two navies. The PHOTEX component, with aerial images of ships sailing in formation, delivered what the ministry called a “strategic visual message” of cooperation.
