Türkiye and the future of Black Sea security governance

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) conducted the Blue Homeland-26 Exercise in the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean between April 3 and April 9, with the participation of 120 vessels, 50 aircraft and 15,000 personnel. While the Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S.-Israel-Iran war have shaken regional and global balances, the TSK demonstrated through the Blue Homeland-26 exercise that they are continuing to fulfil their role as a regional "balancing force." The Blue Homeland doctrine is of critical importance for understanding Türkiye’s Black Sea security equation. The doctrine strongly reflects Türkiye’s resolve to protect its maritime zones and ensure maritime security. It is also a strategic stance aimed at safeguarding sovereignty rights within the framework of international law, contrary to the interpretations of administrations such as Greece and Southern Cyprus, which are considered hostile by Türkiye.