Turkey accuses Greece of plane harassment

Turkish Defense Ministry sources say Greece has also purchased Russian-made air defense systems, accusing Western countries of pursuing a two-pronged policy.

Turkish Defense Ministry sources say Greece has also purchased Russian-made air defense systems, accusing Western countries of pursuing a two-pronged policy.

Athens is eyeing U.S. weapons in an effort to bolster its air force as tensions with Ankara escalate.

In June, Greece submitted a request to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey on August 28 accused Greece of using a Russian-made air defense system to harass its aircraft on reconnaissance missions.

The incident took place on August 23 when a Greek S-300 missile system deployed on Crete locked onto Turkish F-16 jets flying at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters west of Rhodes, Turkish defense sources said.

The move “is not in line with the spirit of the (NATO) alliance,” the sources added. “Despite this hostile action, the Turkish jets completed their planned mission and returned safely to base.”

Turkey in recent months has repeatedly complained about what it calls Greek provocations, saying such moves undermine peace efforts.