Three new patrol boats belonging to the TRNC Coast Guard have become operational.

With the new boats named Boğaz, Lefke and Serdarlı, the coast guards fleet has now reached 25.

Attending the launch ceremony, President Ersin Tatar said that it was important for the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces to upgrade its capabilities in the face of increasing security needs in the Eastern Mediterranean and Blue Homeland.

The TRNC Coast Guard’s newest additions, Boğaz, Lefke and Serdarlı patrol boats became operational on Monday following a launch ceremony attended by President Ersin Tatar as well as other state, government and military officials.

With the three new Ares 35 FBP type fast patrol boats, the TRNC Coast Guard’s fleet has grown to 25 vessels.

Addressing the ceremony, the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu said that the crew for the new boats had completed their training in a period of six months and were now ready to patrol the TRNC’s 396km long shoreline and waters.

He pointed out that the TRNC Coast Guard along with their Turkish counterparts were in charge of maintaining the security of 8,807km² of waters between Türkiye and the TRNC.

Also speaking at the ceremony, President Ersin Tatar said that it was important for the Cyprus Turkish Security Forces to upgrade its capabilities in the face of increasing security needs in the Eastern Mediterranean and Blue Homeland.

He said that the coast guard played an important role in addressing the issues of illegal migrants, smuggling and other threats.