Türkiye Boosts Black Sea Security Amid Maritime Threats

Türkiye Steps Up Efforts to Protect Maritime Routes in the Black Sea

Türkiye is taking additional measures to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Black Sea amid recent attacks on commercial vessels, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said during parliamentary discussions on the ministry’s budget.

According to Güler, the Black Sea region continues to pose a high level of risk, prompting Türkiye to intensify its efforts at both national and multinational levels to safeguard shipping lanes and address the threat posed by naval mines.

“We are resolutely continuing our work to ensure maritime security and eliminate mine threats in the Black Sea, strictly in line with the Montreux Convention.”

Güler noted that Ankara is issuing warnings and notifications to relevant parties in an effort to halt attacks that threaten the safety of navigation within Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. He added that necessary measures are being taken to protect the country’s maritime areas as well as critical underwater and surface infrastructure.

The defence minister also emphasized that surveillance and monitoring operations are being carried out continuously using the capabilities of Türkiye’s Navy and Air Force.

Adherence to the Montreux Convention

Türkiye has repeatedly reaffirmed its strict adherence to the 1936 Montreux Convention.

Key Action: In accordance with Article 19 of the convention, Ankara closed the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to warships belonging to countries involved in the conflict, as well as to non–Black Sea states, following the outbreak of hostilities.

This measure is part of Türkiye’s ongoing effort to prevent further escalation in the Black Sea basin.