Mass violations by Turkish warplanes in eastern Aegean amid peak summer season

Turkish warplanes engaged in multiple violations of Greek airspace and Athens FIR infringements on Thursday, the height of the summer tourism season in both east Mediterranean countries and days before a major religious holiday in Greece.

According to Greek military sources, eight Turkish Air Force F-16s, three UAVs and two ATR-72 maritime patrol turbo-prop planes engaged in 72 violations, of which one was an over-flight of Greek territory. Two of the fighter planes were armed, the Greek side said.

The scope of the belligerent activity of the Turkish air force was recorded throughout the eastern Aegean, while one engagement was reported between a Greek and Turkish warplane.

In all instances, the violating aircraft were recognized and intercepted.