Greece Plans to Reiforce Defenses amid Tensions with Turkey

This morning, a Greek government spokesman announced that his country intends to buy weapons, strengthen the army and modernize its defense industry, amid rising tensions with Turkey, partner in NATO, due to its  exploration of energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

"We are in talks with our allies to reinforce our armed forces," government spokesman Stelios Petsas said. He added that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will present the general framework of his plans during his annual speech on economic policy next Saturday.

“The Turkish leadership is unleashing, on a near daily basis, threats of war and makes provocative statements against Greece,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said. “We respond with political, diplomatic and operational readiness, determined to do whatever is necessary to protect our sovereign rights.”

Petsas said Mitsotakis would meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Corsica on Thursday, prior to the Southern European leaders ’summit, and would discuss the matter.

Earlier last week, a Greek government official told Reuters that Greece was in talks with France and other countries to buy combat aircraft.

Tensions escalated last month between Athens and Ankara after Turkey sent a ship to drill in disputed waters, accompanied by warships.