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The dispute between Greece and Turkey over natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean has escalated for weeks. Greece accuses Turkey of illegally exploring deposits in the Greek island region. The Ankara government claims that the waters in which natural gas is being drilled on a trial basis belong to the Turkish continental shelf.
Greece is now responding to the tensions with an extensive weapons program: “There will be a national shield,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced during a speech in the port city of Thessaloniki, which was broadcast on Greek television.
18 fighter jets and 15,000 soldiers
According to the prime minister, Athens wants to buy 18 French Rafale fighter jets. In addition, four new frigates will be purchased and four other existing German-produced frigates will be modernized. The inventory of anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes and other ammunition will also be increased. Furthermore, the Greek arms industry should contribute more and more to the country’s armaments; this affects shipyards near Athens, for example.
According to Mitsotakis, the military personnel will also be expanded: 15,000 new professional soldiers will be hired over the next five years.
Mitsotakis said Greece is ready to peacefully resolve differences over the gas conflict with Turkey. If Turkey wants to do the same and an agreement still cannot be reached, the contentious issue can be taken to the International Court of Justice, he said.
