Eleven members of the Law Enforcement Tactical Groups of the Georgian Border Police, from the Coast Guard Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), participated in NATO’s maritime operation Sea Guardian in the Republic of Türkiye.

According to Border Police, the Sea Guardian 26-1 maritime security operation took place from January 21 to February 9, 2026.

“On November 21, 2025, a technical agreement was signed between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the General Staff of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Türkiye. Under this agreement, and at the invitation of the Turkish Ministry of Defence, the Boarding Group of the Georgian Border Police’s Coast Guard Department was authorised to participate in NATO’s maritime security operation, Operation Sea Guardian.

During the operation, the 11 servicemen from Georgia’s Coast Guard Tactical Group were deployed aboard the Turkish Navy frigate ‘TCG Gaziante (F-490)’, where they took part in joint exercises with members of the Turkish Navy’s Special Operations Forces.

NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian is the alliance’s only permanent maritime security mission. Its primary objectives are to combat terrorism at sea, promote free and safe navigation, develop and strengthen maritime security capabilities, and enhance situational awareness within the operational area. Additionally, the operation involves the collection and sharing of information, as well as cooperation with allied and partner nations,’ the Border Police stated.