Turkish Response to Houthi Missile Attack on Anadolu
On November 20, 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal condemnation of the Houthi missile attack on the Panama-flagged dry cargo vessel Anadolu S, operated by Turkish company Oras Shipping. The ministry affirmed that measures are underway to mitigate the risk of similar incidents and ensure the protection of Turkish maritime interests.
Turkey has currently deployed the following naval vessels to escort the Oruc Reis research vessel during its mission in Somalia:
- TCG Gökova (F-496) and TCG Gediz (F-495): G-class frigates (Oliver Hazard Perry-class), equipped with advanced combat management systems, SMART-S Mk2 3D radar, Mk.41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for RIM-162 ESSMs, OTO Melara 76mm naval guns, Phalanx CIWS, and torpedo launch systems. Each frigate displaces 4,100 tons, measures 135.6 meters in length, and has a beam of 13.7 meters.
- TCG First Lieutenant Arif Ekmekçi: A logistics support vessel with capabilities including helicopter refueling, a stern flotation system, and replenishment operations. Specifications include a length of 106.51 meters, width of 16.80 meters, a speed of 12+ knots, and a range of 9,500 nautical miles. The ship is armed with two ASELSAN STAMP 12.7 mm weapon systems and features an 18-ton crane. It can carry 8 containers, 631 tons of drinking water, 336 tons of JP-5 helicopter fuel, and 4,036 tons of F-76 fuel.