Erdogan accuses Greece of ‘hostile action’ over alleged missile lock on Turkish fighter jets

·

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Greece of “hostile action”, alleging Greek defence used a Russian-made missile system to harass its F-16 fighter jets carrying out a reconnaissance mission in international airspace.

Erdogan’s allegations, made yesterday in a video address celebrating the centenary of the Greek-Turkish War (1919-1922), comes after Turkish defence ministry sources said on Sunday that a Greek missile system based on the island of Crete locked on to the Turkish jets on August 23.

F-16 aircraft of Turkey. Photo: Ministry of National Defence of Turkey

According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the F-16s were at an altitude of 3,000 metres to the west of Greece’s Rhodes island when the Russian-made S-300’s target-tracking radar locked on.

Athens rejects the Turkish claims, with a Greek defence ministry source telling Greece’s public broadcaster, ERT: “Greece’s S-300 missile system has never put a lock on Turkish F-16 jets.”

An S-300 anti-aircraft missile launches during a Greek army military exercise near Chania in 2013. Photo: Costas Metaxakis/AFP via Getty Images

In his video address, Erdogan said: “Just like a century ago, we know the real intentions of those trying to waste our country’s time and energy.”

The Turkish President went on to say that Greece’s “harassment” of Turkish airspace and aircraft is evidence of Athens’ “hostile attitude” which is an affront to NATO and its allies.

Erdogan was also critical of the United States for offering F-35s to Greece “and not to us.”

READ MORE: Athens dismisses Erdogan’s 1922 Greek-Turkish war comments

SOURCE: Ekathimerini


Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

St Benedict School in Mt Torrens rejects screens, embraces ancient Greek philosophy

Established in early 2024 by members of the Catholic Church of the Holy Name, St Benedict has grown to around 50 students.

Greece’s stolen treasures find a digital voice in UNESCO’s Vanishing Museum

UNESCO’s Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects, launched at MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, offers a new way to confront cultural loss.

Michael Tassis included among SEQ’s leading hospitality bosses

With 11 venues already thriving and a twelfth on the way, Tassis has cemented his place as one of Queensland’s most dynamic restaurateurs.

EU to replace passport stamps with biometric border system

The E.U. is preparing to phase out traditional passport stamps for non-EU travelers, introducing a new digital border control program.

Parthenon free of scaffolding for the first time in 15 years

For the first time in over 15 years, Athenians and visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Parthenon.

You May Also Like

George Ellis on orchestrating the music for the NRL Grand Final entertainment

Legendary Greek conductor, George Ellis, shares his thoughts on orchestrating the music for the NRL Grand Final entertainment.

Exclusive: How Jonathan Aspropotamitis plans to lead Perth Glory to a Champions League title

“I don’t hide my expression in being proud to be Greek," Jonathan Aspropotamitis says to The Greek Herald.

Queen Victoria Market: Your one-stop shop for produce this Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter is almost here and Queen Victoria Market is brimming with all the produce, goodies and gifts you need to celebrate on Sunday.