The joint exercise usually serves the purpose of an integrated surface air, subsurface warfare exercise. These maneuvers enhanced the tactical proficiency of the ships and aircraft through precision command and control and communication. The ongoing and accelerated militarization of the Crimean peninsula and its surrounding waters has created a new security reality in the Black Sea and even wider Mediterranean region. As usual, Russian navy deployed Admiral Makarov frigate which locked onto air targets and jam the electronic communications of the NATO ships.
The Black Sea is critical waterway for maritime commerce and stability throughout Europe. Montreux Convention and International Law are applied for the ships to pass via Bosporus.
Usually the exercises are announced ahead of the time but this one has not been revealed until the last minute. Most likely it has been arranged to test the Turkey’s commitment to NATO as well as for the purposes of giving a message to Russia – Turkey is US partner not Russian.
