Seven Turkish drones and a naval aircraft were detected operating across the Aegean Sea on Friday, recording multiple violations of Greek airspace and the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).
According to data released on November 6, seven Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) recorded 15 violations of Greek national airspace and nine violations of air traffic regulations within the Athens FIR.
The drones operated across the northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean.
A Turkish Navy ATR-72 maritime surveillance aircraft also entered the Athens FIR, recording two additional violations.
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Greek forces identified and intercepted the Turkish aircraft in accordance with established procedures and international rules.
No armed aircraft or formations were reported during the incidents.
Turkish activity coincides with Greece-Turkey NAVTEX dispute
The latest incidents come amid renewed tensions between Athens and Ankara over maritime survey activities linked to the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On Friday, the Heraklion Hydrographic Station issued an expected NAVTEX notice concerning operations by the French vessel Abeille Marengo.
Turkey responded several hours later by issuing a counter-NAVTEX, disputing Greece’s jurisdiction over some of the designated maritime areas.
Ankara claimed that certain areas covered by the Greek announcement fall within what it considers its continental shelf.
The dispute adds to ongoing disagreements between Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction, continental shelf rights and activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Breakdown of Turkish violations on November 6
According to the daily operational data:
- Aircraft: Eight in total, comprising seven UAVs and one ATR-72.
- Greek airspace violations: 15, all recorded by UAVs.
- Athens FIR violations: 11, including nine by UAVs and two by the ATR-72.
- Aircraft formations: None.
- Armed aircraft: None.
- Entries: None reported.
- Areas of activity: Northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean.
The latest activity highlights the continuing military and diplomatic friction between Greece and Turkey, as the two NATO members remain at odds over maritime boundaries and energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean.
