The NATO Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2) ships have arrived in Istanbul for a three-day port visit.
The group is currently under the command of Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo of the Italian Navy, embarked on his flagship ITS Carlo Bergamini. The task group consists of the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS St. John’s and the Turkish frigate TCG Barbaros.
The Italian flagship ITS Carlo Bergamini has drawn attention amid rumors suggesting that Greece may procure a ship of the same class.
Meanwhile, under NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2), the Italian Navy vessels ITS Thaon di Revel and ITS Crotone, the Spanish Navy ship ESP Sella, and the Hellenic Navy ship HS Evropi are scheduled to make a port visit to Çanakkale between 21–23 October.
This marks SNMG-2’s second visit to Istanbul in 2025, reflecting a notable increase in the frequency of NATO naval visits to Turkish ports compared to previous year.
devrimyaylali.com 