The search and rescue teams of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Emergency Conditions continue working in the region where two earthquakes over 7.5 magnitude that occurred in Kahramanmaraş and affected 11 provinces. According to the Ministry, Azerbaijani teams have managed to remove 51 people from rubbles in Kahramanmaraş. The teams also detected 518 bodies.
One of Türkiye’s largest and most advanced warships, the Gabya-class frigate TCG Gelibolu (F-493), is preparing to join NATO’s Standing Naval Force. Known for its versatile combat capabilities, the 138-meter frigate plays a key role in Türkiye’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine.
Built with two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and capable of exceeding 29 knots, the ship can operate for up to 60 days at sea without refueling. It houses a crew of around 200 and can deploy two Seahawk helicopters for anti-submarine and surface warfare.
Equipped with GENESIS, Türkiye’s domestically developed combat management system, and Link-11/16 NATO-compatible tactical systems, TCG Gelibolu has actively participated in missions such as Operation Mediterranean Shield and NATO’s Vigilance Activities.
Commander Navy Colonel Arda Ceylan emphasized the ship’s symbolic link to the Gallipoli campaign and its cutting-edge capabilities: “Our ship can travel from Türkiye to the US without resupply and perform multiple warfare operations simultaneously.”
Designed with onboard comforts including lounges, a gym, and an infirmary, the frigate reflects Türkiye’s growing naval strength and modernization.
Refik Fidan-Enes Özkan
TR