Türkiye advances with 5th gen KAAN jets while Greece struggles with basics: Greek media

Greek media have voiced criticism over claims that Saudi Arabia is planning to purchase KAAN fighter jets from Türkiye, with one outlet lamenting, “While Türkiye is producing 5th generation KAAN fighter jets, we can’t even produce a screw.”

Acknowledging Türkiye’s rapid advancements in defense, Greek media criticized their own government for not taking sufficient steps to revive Greece’s struggling defense sector.

In a report by Greek media outlet Militaire, the publication noted, “When Türkiye first announced plans to design and produce fighter jets, there were serious doubts about its success, particularly in Greece, where some analysts had been predicting Türkiye’s collapse for years. However, Türkiye not only advanced its KAAN fighter jet program but is now in talks to sell 100 of these jets to Saudi Arabia.“

The article also criticized Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, calling his promises regarding major defense projects unrealistic, and stressed the need for more effective measures to strengthen Greece’s current defense capabilities.

Another Greek media outlet, Ekfrasi, echoed these sentiments in a report titled, “While Türkiye produces 5th generation KAAN fighter jets, we can’t even produce a screw,” expressing frustration over Greece’s stagnant defense industry.

The report highlighted that if Türkiye successfully sells KAAN jets to Saudi Arabia, it would mark a record-breaking export deal for Türkiye, solidifying Ankara’s position as a significant defense supplier in the region. It also noted that Saudi Arabia has already purchased Bayraktar Akinci drones and Ejder Yalcin armored vehicles from Türkiye.

Greece prepares new air defense system in the Aegean

Meanwhile, Greece’s Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis announced plans for a new air defense system in the Aegean region.

Speaking to SKAI TV, Kefalogiannis said the system is expected to be ready within two years and will be capable of countering any air assault.

‘Greece would refuse any maritime deal between Türkiye-Syria

“If there is a ‘casus belli’ threat from our neighboring country, we must always be prepared to protect our sovereign rights in this ever-changing region. Of course, we will develop such a system,” Kefalogiannis said, insisting the system is defensive in nature and will cover the entire area from the Evros River to the island of Kastellorizo.

He added that Greece would refuse to recognize any maritime agreement between Türkiye and Syria, as it did with Türkiye’s maritime deal with Libya.