NEWS

Jousts over Aegean as Turks buzz transport

Two Turkish fighter jets harassed a Greek military transport aircraft over the central Aegean yesterday, according to sources quoted by the Athens News Agency, which added that an attempt by Greek planes to chase off the Turks resulted in simulated dogfights. The ANA said the incident took place in an area «controlled by the Civil Aviation Authority» at 3.10 p.m., some 7 miles (11 kilometers) east of Naxos and at a height of 20,000 feet. The two F-16 fighters flew within 500 feet of the Greek C-130 transport on its way from Cyprus to Elefsina, Greece. When Greek interceptors rose to meet the F-16s, the Turkish pilots engaged them in a simulated dogfight. According to the same sources, 10 formations of Turkish military aircraft entered the Athens Flight Information Region – and, in some cases, Greek air space – and had to be chased away. Again, simulated dogfights broke out.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.