Turkey comments on Greek defense movements in the Aegean

On August 27, 2026, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense issued a statement regarding recent Greek military developments. Ankara characterized the relocation of a Patriot air defense system from Karpathos to Crete, which occurred around August 23, as a positive step toward correcting what it labels a mistaken practice. The Turkish ministry expressed hope that this move contributes to regional peace and stability.

Conversely, the Turkish Ministry of Defense issued a warning concerning reports of a potential drone base on the island of Rhodes. Ankara argues that such an initiative would violate the island's demilitarized status, which it claims is strictly defined by international treaties. The ministry stated that it would take necessary measures to address any such breach of the status quo.

While Ankara welcomed the relocation of the Patriot systems, it maintained its firm stance on the sovereignty and legal status of Greek islands, emphasizing that any Greek military presence it deems inconsistent with international obligations will be met with opposition. No further legal actions or immediate developments were announced by the ministry following these remarks.