\n<\/p>\n
Turkey\u2019s Defense Ministry says it is preparing for a range of possible developments, from heightened tensions and regional crises to a potential war, while closely monitoring the expanding defense relationship between Greece and Israel.<\/p>\n
The position was outlined in an official letter signed by Turkish Defense Minister Ya\u015far G\u00fcler and sent on August 10 to a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, according to Nordic Monitor.<\/p>\n
The document states that Turkish government agencies are coordinating closely to assess developments in the wider region, including the possibility of \u201ccrisis, tension and war.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ankara closely watching Greece and Israel<\/p>\n
The letter marks a notable indication of how seriously Ankara is assessing the changing security environment in the region.<\/p>\n
G\u00fcler linked Turkey\u2019s contingency planning to developments involving Greece and Israel, as well as broader security issues affecting Turkish interests in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
The ministry said studies concerning all possible developments in the region are continuing \u201cwith great caution\u201d and in coordination with relevant state institutions.<\/p>\n
The wording also points to planning that extends beyond the Turkish military, involving broader state resources and institutions in preparation for a possible large scale mobilization.<\/p>\n
Turkish parliamentarian raises concerns over Greek islands<\/p>\n
G\u00fcler\u2019s letter was issued in response to a parliamentary question from Republican People\u2019s Party lawmaker Hasan \u00d6zt\u00fcrk.<\/p>\n
\u00d6zt\u00fcrk had raised concerns about what he described as the military reinforcement of Greek islands close to the Turkish coast, as well as growing defense cooperation between Athens and Tel Aviv.<\/p>\n
According to the Turkish lawmaker, Greece is considering strengthening islands in the eastern Aegean with Israeli air defense systems, constructing underground military facilities and upgrading command centers and ammunition storage sites.<\/p>\n
He also asked whether Ankara considers Greek Israeli military cooperation a threat to Turkey\u2019s national security and what measures Turkey is considering in response to Greece\u2019s developing multi layered \u201cAchilles Shield\u201d air defense network.<\/p>\n
The Turkish Defense Ministry did not provide operational details about possible countermeasures, troop deployments or specific contingency plans.<\/p>\n
Instead, it said Turkey continues to closely monitor Greek activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean that, in Ankara\u2019s assessment, affect its \u201crights, interests and concerns,\u201d adding that the necessary measures are being taken.<\/p>\n
Israel highlighted in Turkey\u2019s assessment<\/p>\n
The document explicitly refers to Israel and acknowledges the expansion of defense cooperation between Greece and Israel in recent years.<\/p>\n
The cooperation includes defense industry projects, military training, joint exercises and technology.<\/p>\n
According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, this partnership is being closely monitored as the regional security environment changes.<\/p>\n
Ankara also reiterated that Turkey\u2019s security, along with what it considers its rights and interests in the Aegean, would be protected \u201cunder all circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Longstanding dispute over the Aegean islands<\/p>\n
Greece and Turkey continue to disagree sharply over the military status of the eastern Aegean islands.<\/p>\n
Athens rejects Turkish claims that Greece is illegally militarizing the islands. The Greek Foreign Ministry has described Ankara\u2019s allegations as unfounded and maintains that different treaty arrangements apply to different islands while Greece retains the right to legitimate self defense.<\/p>\n
Turkey, meanwhile, cites restrictions under the Treaties of Lausanne and Paris and argues that Athens has transformed islands close to the Turkish mainland into fortified military positions.<\/p>\n
The latest Turkish Defense Ministry statement comes as Greece and Israel continue to deepen their defense relationship, while tensions surrounding security and military developments in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean remain closely watched by Ankara.<\/p>\n