Türkiye’s opposition media blasts Qatar’s participation in Greece-hosted military drill
Hellenic Air Force Rafale jets fly over the Parthenon and the Acropolis during the military parade marking Greece's Independence Day in Athens on March 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Qatar’s involvement in the Greece-hosted Iniochos 2025 air drill has drawn criticism in Türkiye, particularly from opposition-aligned media outlets.
The exercise, held between March 31 and April 11 at Andravida Air Base, brought together air forces from countries including Israel, Greek Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Qatar participated with F-15QA fighter jets, operating in the same airspace as:
- Israel’s G550 Nachshon early warning aircraft
- UAE’s Mirage 2000-9
- Bahrain’s F-16s
Israeli media reported that Qatar preferred to keep its participation discreet, but Greek authorities disclosed it publicly.
Domestic reactions in Türkiye
Opposition media outlets in Türkiye, such as Sozcu, framed the development as a diplomatic contradiction. Qatar is widely viewed as a close partner of Türkiye, with deep economic and strategic ties.
The country has made significant investments in Türkiye, including in media, banking, real estate, and defense. Currently, Qatar holds:
- More than 33 billion dollars in total investments
- Ownership in over 220 companies
Türkiye not included
The stated objective of the Iniochos 2025 exercise was to strengthen regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and ensure the security of trade routes between India and Europe. Despite its strategic position and regional role, Türkiye was not included in the exercise.
The absence has been noted domestically, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean and increasing military collaboration between Greece and its Western and Gulf partners.
