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

Cultural landmark in Sydney Olympic Park to be relocated after Greek community advocacy

The Sydney Olympic Park Authority has confirmed the Discobolus Monument in Stockroute Park will be relocated in a 'respectable' way.

Trump announces 25% tariffs but signals possible exemption for Australian steel

US President Donald Trump has stated he will give "great consideration" to exempting Australian steel and aluminium exports from new tariffs.

Panathinaikos goalkeeping legend Takis Oikonomopoulos dies at 81

Takis Oikonomopoulos, one of the greatest goalkeepers in Greek football history, has passed away at the age of 81.

Greek and French leaders discuss defence and AI at Paris talks

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, February 10 to discuss defence and AI.

Locals who stayed behind pray for relief amid Santorini’s ongoing tremors

Residents who are yet to flee from Santorini held a religious procession on Sunday, February 9 to pray for the seismic activity to stop.

You May Also Like

Greek politician takes Melburnians on a virtual trek to Thessaloniki’s liberation

Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower” commemorated 111 years of liberation for Greece’s second-largest city.

Bill Drakopoulos’ Sydney Restaurant Group buys Summer Salt

Bill Drakopoulos' Sydney Restaurant Group has added the popular Elouera Beach residing venue, Summer Salt, to its growing business portfolio.

Peter V’landys on receiving permission for the NRL’s return: ‘We could do it tomorrow if we wanted’

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has hit back at NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard’s claims on Friday that he will need permission to resume the season.