ABSTRACT
Turkey has the largest coastline of all the Black Sea littoral states and controls access to the Black Sea through the Turkish straits. The realisation of Turkey's ambitious naval regeneration plans would significantly enhance Turkey's maritime power and allow it to project power in the Black Sea region and beyond. The Turkish navy, along with the other two services, the Turkish Army and Air Force, is undergoing a process of military transformation. Turkey currently has a large and powerful navy, a sizable coast guard with its own air group, a formidable amphibious force and an equally impressive naval aviation order of battle. Turkey has enduring strategic interests in the Black Sea. Its history, geography, security and economic interests make the Black Sea a vitally important region for Turkey. In 1992 Turkey co-founded the setting up of a regional organisation, Black Sea Economic Cooperation, which has proven to be an influential vehicle for increasing peace and security in the Black Sea.
