On the background of tensions with Turkey, Greece conducts military drills with US, Saudi Arabia & Israel

Athens: – Greece has adopted an aggressive stand against the Turkish domination activities in the Mediterranean Sea. To counter the Turkish activities, Greece has started increasing defence cooperation with leading countries, including the United States. As a part of the same efforts, Greece is consistently participating in joint war exercises. It has been revealed that in the last seven days, Greece has held joint war exercises with the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel. A strong reaction has emanated from Turkey over the joint war exercises between Greece and Saudi Arabia, and Turkish President Recep Erdogan has expressed regret over it.

Turkey has started aggressive activities in the Mediterranean Sea sector in the last few years. Last year, Turkey claimed rights over islands in the Greek marine region and sent research ships and warships to the region. The tension in the Mediterranean region has festered since then, and Greece has started seeking cooperation from other countries to counter Turkey. These include Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with the United States and European countries.

The United States, Israel, France and the UAE have signed defence cooperation agreements with Greece, and dialogues are open with Egypt and Saudi Arabia for a memorandum of understanding. The joint war exercises being held in the Mediterranean Sea and Greek participation in them are considered part of this cooperation. Last week, the Israeli navy organised joint naval exercises named ‘Noble Dina’. Cyprus and France also participated in the exercises along with Greece. US warship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with its Carrier Strike Group, entered the Mediterranean Sea region on Friday. Thereafter, on Saturday, comprehensive joint war exercises started between the United States and Greece. Advanced Greek destroyer Psara, two submarines and fighter jets are participating in the exercises. Greek sources informed that the Greek fighter jets would participate in war exercises with the US fighter jets after the naval exercises.

Meanwhile, a unit of the Saudi Arabian air force reached the Greek Crete Islands on Saturday. Saudi Arabia has sent six of its F-15C fighter jets for the exercises. This is the first instance of joint exercises between Greek and Saudi Arabia. Turkish President Erdogan has expressed regret over the joint exercises between Greece and Saudi Arabia and has said that this is a very disappointing development. At the same time, Erdogan said he would take up the matter with Saudi Arabia.