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Kurtaran 25: Spanish Navy divers take part in the exercises
Non-commissioned officers of the Navy Diving Center (CBA) have participated as observers in the submarine rescue exercises "Kurtaran 25"organized by the Turkish Navy. This international training, considered one of the most important in the field of underwater search and rescue, was carried out from the April 24 to 30, 2025 in waters close to the Aksaz Naval Base (Marmaris, Turkey).
The main objective of these maneuvers is to strengthen strategic and operational capabilities in submarine emergency situations, also allowing for improved interoperability and the exchange of knowledge between the naval forces of allied and collaborating countries. In this edition, the following participated 17 countries and a total of 35 international observersAmong them was the representation of the Spanish Navy.
Advanced Technology and High Level Training
During the exercises, the Spanish divers had the opportunity to embark on the Turkish ships TCG "Isin" TCG y TCG "Alemdar" TCGthe latter a submarine rescue vessel whose design is very similar to that of the future BAM-IS "Poseidon". of the Spanish Navy. This experience has allowed the Spanish observers to gather valuable technical information that will be of great use in the next incorporation of the "Poseidon" and the new "Poseidon". Diver Support Boat (EAB).
On board the TCG "Alemdar", the Spanish divers were able to witness the operations up close by using the atmospheric pressure wetsuit and direct observation of the Submarine Rescue BellThe new, essential tool for rescue missions at great depths.
First Use of the Atmospheric Diving System
One of the main novelties of this fiscal year was the use, for the first time, of the Atmospheric Diving SystemThe new system was recently renewed after a long maintenance process in 2024. This system, together with advanced technologies such as the side scan sonarthe ROV (unmanned underwater vehicles) and the external submarine ventilation systemwas used to increase the effectiveness of rescue operations.
The exercises included ventilation operations of wrecked submarines, transfer of supplies by means of PODSThe project also included medical rescue, medical rescue, evacuation of personnel and deployment of parachute teams specialized in submarine rescue.
A large-scale operational deployment
The "Kurtaran 25" exercise mobilized a significant deployment of means, including:
- 1 TCG corvette "Heybeliada".
- 2 Turkish submarines TCG "Gur" and TCG "Doganay".
- 1 submarine rescue vessel and 1 support vessel
- 1 maritime patrol aircraft, 1 helicopter and 1 C-130 transport aircraft
- 1 helicopter ambulance, 1 drone (UAV) and 2 Coast Guard vessels
- Specialized medical equipment and highly specialized diving units
In addition, the following operations were carried out simulated rescue with parachutists, shipment of life support packages and medical evacuations in the most demanding and realistic scenarios.
The Spanish Navy Strengthens its Preparedness
The participation in this type of exercises reinforces the preparation of the Spanish Navy in underwater rescue missions, an area of growing strategic importance in the international context. The experience gained will allow the optimization of rescue procedures and the application of innovative solutions with the future incorporation of the BAM-IS "Poseidon".This reinforces the Navy's capacity to act in highly complex scenarios and multinational environments.
These exercises not only contribute to the improvement of the technical and operational capabilities of Spanish divers, but also consolidate the Spanish Navy as an international reference in underwater rescue operations and advanced military cooperation.
