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Irritation in Turkish Press over Patriots on Greek Islands

Published March 15, 2026, 20:06
Irritation in Turkish Press over Patriots on Greek Islands

The Turkish press expresses strong irritation and criticism over the deployment of Patriot anti-aircraft defense systems on Greek islands. The Sözcü newspaper characterizes Athens' move as a provocation and links it to the US-Iran war, arguing that Greece is taking advantage of the situation to militarily strengthen the Aegean. The newspaper criticizes the demilitarization of Samothrace, arguing that the installation of Patriot systems violates the Treaty of Lausanne and the Straits Convention. It also refers to the delay in Turkey's use of the Russian S-400 system, in contrast to the deployment of Patriots by the US to protect against potential attacks from Iran. Turkish military analysts are calling for a more dynamic response from Ankara, proposing moves such as the creation of a naval command in the occupied territories, the dispatch of a frigate with air defense systems, and the start of drilling in Cypriot territorial waters. The deployment of Patriots is considered to affect Turkish airspace.