Turkmen Naval Forces

The Turkmenistan navy was established in 1992. From 1992 to 1997, the Navy of Turkmenistan existed as a separate division of border guard ships and boats, deployed in the city of Turkmenbashi as part of the Border Troops of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, and then transferred to the subordination of the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. In August 2009, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov announced the creation of a new independent navy, saying that it would be used to protect the nation from external threats such as "international terrorist groups" who "would like to disturb the Turkmen people's peaceful life".[5] On 1 October 2009, Berdimuhammedov declared the previous Turkmen Navy null and void. On 22 January 2010, a 5-year program for the development of the Navy was implemented, which laid the foundation for the creation of a national Navy as part of the Ministry of Defense.[6][7]

At the end of that 5 year period in 2015, the navy was engaged in its first major action since establishment. Turkmen naval vessels fired on an fishing boat from Iran, sinking the boat and killing one of the fishermen as a result. Iranian media referred to the navy's actions as "a move beyond diplomatic norms and contrary to international law".[8] In September 2017, it held its first naval exercises in the Caspian Sea.[9] In early 2018, efforts were continued to strengthened the navy.[10]

The main naval base of Turkmenistan is Dzhanga Naval Base located in the port of Turkmenbashi.[11] Ogurja Ada Naval Base is also used by the navy. In order to control and regulate access to the naval base, barriers were installed by the NICE Ltd. at several points: at the entrance of the base, the military lodgings, the construction site, the docks, and the ammunition depot.[12] In 2010, the navy of Turkmenistan consisted of 16 patrol boats and 2,000 servicemen.[13]

Turkmen Marines

Turkmen marines on parade.

A naval infantry (marine) unit is maintained in the Navy. The Naval Infantry Separate Brigade named after Deniz Khagan (Turkmen: Oguz Han adyndaky Deňiz Pyýada Goşunynyň Aýratyn Brigadasy). It was handed its new colors in October 2011.[14]

• Armed Forces of Turkmenistan
• Turkmen Ground Forces
• Turkmen Air Force
• Navy Day (Turkmenistan)