Seven Turkish aircraft were recorded on Monday operating within the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) and over parts of the Aegean, including two armed F-16 fighter jets, an ATR-72 maritime surveillance aircraft and four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to Greece’s national defense general staff.
The activity resulted in seven infringements of Athens FIR air-traffic regulations. One was attributed to the F-16s, two to the ATR-72 and four to the UAVs. At the same time, Greek military authorities recorded nine violations of Greek national airspace, including two by the F-16s and seven by the UAVs.
One encounter between Greek and Turkish aircraft was reported during the activity, while no overflights of Greek territory were recorded. The Turkish aircraft operated in the northeastern and southeastern Aegean.
The latest incidents come amid continued aerial friction between Greece and Turkey despite efforts by Athens and Ankara to maintain political dialogue and prevent military incidents from escalating. Greek fighter jets routinely identify and intercept Turkish aircraft when such activity is recorded, in accordance with international rules and established operational procedures.
