# Military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/military-exercises-in-the-eastern-mediterranean
> Updated: 2026-09-10T04:37:15.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean have focused on maritime security and regional alliances. In late August, NATO launched the Sea Guardian 2020 exercise, involving surface units, submarines, and unmanned vehicles from Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Commanded by the Turkish corvette TCG Büyükada, the operation aimed to identify suspicious vessels linked to terrorism or migrant trafficking.

By mid-September, the focus shifted to the ‘MEDUSA 15/2026’ exercise near Crete. This multi-branch exercise serves as a manifestation of a trilateral alliance between Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus, with additional participation from French and Italian frigates. While intended to promote stability and respect for international maritime law, the exercise has reportedly caused “significant irritation and embarrassment in Ankara” by reinforcing defense cooperation between Athens, Cairo, and Nicosia.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Medusa 15/2026 military exercise to be held in Crete

The ‘MEDUSA 15/2026’ military exercise in Crete, involving Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus, reinforces trilateral defense ties and features French and Italian naval support.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medusa-152026-military-exercise-to-be-held-in-crete

### 2026-08-24: NATO launches Sea Guardian 2020 exercise in the Mediterranean

NATO has commenced the Sea Guardian 2020 maritime exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean, involving Italy, Greece, and Turkey to patrol against terrorism and migrant trafficking.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nato-launches-sea-guardian-2020-exercise-in-the-mediterranean

---
Cite as: Military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/military-exercises-in-the-eastern-mediterranean