Turkish Gabya-class frigate TCG Gediz (F 495) photographed on 5 October 2024, on its way to escort a group of scientific ships to areas off the Somali coast to explore for hydrocarbons. (Cem Devrim Yaylali)
Two Turkish Gabya-class frigates TCG Gediz (F 495) and TCG Gökova (F 496) have been assigned to escort a group of scientific ships to areas off the Somali coast and protect them there.
Joined by the TGC Yüzbasi Güngör Durmus support tanker (A 574), the frigates will escort the M/V Oruç Reis seismic research ship, M/V Zağanos Paşa support ship, M/V Sancar platform support vessel, and M/V Ataman tracking ship on a seven months mission while they conduct hydrocarbon exploration.
In July Türkiye signed a deal with Somalia granting the Turkish Petroleum Corporation exclusive rights to explore and produce oil and natural gas across 15,000 km² of Somalia's offshore territory, divided into three blocks: two 50 km from the coast and one 100 km out.
When photographed on 5 October the frigates did not appear to have any mission special equipment on board. The threats they might face include attacks by Ansar Allah (commonly known as the Houthis) when passing through or near the Bab-el Mandab strait, and piracy attacks when off the coast of Somalia.
Both Gediz and Gökova
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