Turkish drones and F-16s intercepted after violations of Greek airspace
On September 7, 2026 Greek forces intercepted two F-16s, a CN-235 and two drones after incursions over the northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean Sea.
Greek authorities reported that on September 7, 2026, aircraft of Turkish origin entered Greek airspace over the northeastern, central and southeastern sectors of the Aegean Sea and were intercepted by Greek forces.
According to the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, the contacts recorded included two F-16s flying in formation, one CN-235 aircraft and two unmanned aerial vehicles. The General Staff said that four of the recorded airspace violations were caused by the drones, and that two of the Turkish air assets were armed.
Intercepts and identification
All Turkish aircraft and unmanned systems were identified and intercepted in accordance with international rules of engagement, the statement added. Greek pilots and controllers maintained visual or radar contact while escorting the intruding platforms out of the national flight information region.
The incidents were limited to the airspace above maritime areas of the Aegean Sea; no damage or casualties were reported. Greek authorities did not provide further operational details beyond the counts and types of aircraft involved.
The events come amid ongoing tensions in the Aegean, where airspace and territorial disputes have periodically produced close encounters between Greek and Turkish military aircraft.
Photo: press material from the event
