Greek minister warns of military response in Aegean tensions with Türkiye

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has adopted an increasingly confrontational stance toward Türkiye, using a televised interview to signal that Athens is prepared to back its maritime claims with military force.

In remarks broadcast on Greece's OPEN television, Gerapetritis moved beyond the "calm waters" policy Athens had previously promoted regarding Aegean dialogue, instead striking a defiant tone when asked how Greece would respond to potential incidents near disputed islets. "We will respond in every appropriate way, just as we do in the field. We will not allow new Imia-type incidents," he stated, referring to the 1996 crisis that brought the two NATO allies to the brink of conflict.

Defiant posture over Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean

The Greek minister confirmed that a Patriot air defence battery previously stationed on Karpathos has been relocated to Crete's Souda Bay, a move he described as purely operational while firmly rejecting suggestions that Athens was acting under any direction from Ankara. "Greece does not accept any proposal regarding the deployment of its forces. This is a sovereign right we will exercise as we see fit," Gerapetritis asserted.

When pressed on whether Greece would resort to military assets in a confrontation, the minister offered an unambiguous reply: "Yes, if necessary, there will of course be frigates, modernised F-16s." He also noted Greece's participation in the F-35 programme, emphasising that Athens would take every measure to protect national interests.

Acknowledging diplomatic limits amid tough talk

Despite the belligerent language, Gerapetritis acknowledged that severing communication with Ankara would be a strategic error. "Closing communication channels with Türkiye would be a major mistake and a danger," he conceded, suggesting that Athens recognises the value of backchannel dialogue even as it projects military strength.

The minister also addressed criticism from domestic opponents, including former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who have accused the government of ineffective foreign policy. Gerapetritis defended his administration's approach, stating that European officials have been formally briefed on Türkiye's actions in the region. On the topic of Türkiye's potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, he appeared resigned, admitting, "We cannot dictate to any country how to define its defence agreements."

Patriot deployment and regional strategic calculus

Gerapetritis further addressed Greece's Patriot contingent in Saudi Arabia, characterising the deployment as a reflection of the strategic alliance between Athens and Riyadh, while reiterating that Greek foreign policy is not determined by external actors. "Greek foreign policy is not shaped by others; it is determined on the basis of defending national interests," he said.

The minister's remarks come amid heightened sensitivity over maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, where Türkiye and Greece hold competing claims. While Ankara has consistently called for dialogue and equitable solutions, Athens appears to be adopting an increasingly assertive posture, underscored by both military redeployments and public threats of force.