Turkish sub shows up in the north

The Turkish submarine “Gur” is anchored at Kyrenia port in the north, with media drawing on reports in connection with drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to reports, the TCG GÜR S-357 is currently open to the public for onboard visits, expected to last through July 8.

The "TCG GÜR S-357" is 62 meters long and weighs over 1400 tons when fully dived, while it can reach speeds up to 15 knots. It has Harpoon SSM missiles on board, surface radars, and sonar equipment, while it also has improved target acquisition and tracking capabilities.

Additional reports also drew links between the submarine’s visit and drilling activities by two vessels on behalf of Turkey, Fatih and Yavuz, in the last two months off the coast of Cyprus.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently said his country would take necessary steps in response to calls from the European Union to back away from drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean.

“But if we come up against unlawful actions, we know how to speak the language, whichever they speak. It is unacceptable that those who have no legal rights there try to acquire gains,” Erdogan said.