Türkiye warns Greece and Greek Cypriots over rising defense spending and military initiatives

Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday warned Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration over increased defense spending and regional military initiatives, urging an end to an arms race.

The ministry said in a statement that it is closely following armament developments and "regional military initiatives" in and around Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, and expressed readiness to protect the country and Turkish Cypriots.

"Our country is committed both to peace, stability and good neighborly relations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean and to protecting our rights and interests," the ministry said. "What the region needs is not arms race or steps escalating tensions. It is strengthening the cooperation based on international laws and the environment for dialogue."

In March, Greece approved the purchase of a 3-billion-euro ($3.48-billion) multilayer air and drone defense system and the upgrade of 38 F-16 fighter jets. The total cost for the two projects was estimated at about 4 billion euros. Greece's security council also approved the upgrade of four MEKO 200 frigates and a maintenance agreement for C29J military transport aircraft.

Greece is in talks with Israel to provide a big part of the missile systems for its air and drone defense dome, called "Achilles Shield." Growing Israeli-Greek ties may harm Türkiye's rapprochement with Greece after decades of hostilities, the ministry noted.

In April, Türkiye warned France and Greece that joint steps were risking regional peace and stability, following reports of possible French troop deployment to the Greek Cypriot administration.

Türkiye has NATO's second-largest army. The ministry said: "Our country is committed both to peace, stability and good neighborly relations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean and to protecting our rights and interests."