Turkish aircraft violate Greek airspace and Athens FIR

On August 31, 2026, Turkish aircraft conducted multiple violations of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) and Greek national airspace in the Central and Southeastern Aegean.

The incursions involved four aircraft in total: one CN-235 maritime cooperation aircraft and three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the three drones were responsible for two violations of Greek national airspace and three violations of air traffic rules within the Athens FIR. The CN-235 aircraft recorded one additional violation of the Athens FIR.

Greek forces identified and intercepted all involved aircraft in accordance with international rules and established practices. No combat engagements were reported, and the aircraft involved were not armed. Analysts note the increasing use of UAVs in Turkish reconnaissance missions over the Aegean as a low-cost strategy to provoke without the direct involvement of manned fighter jets.