Greece has raised concerns over ongoing defense deals between Turkey and major European nations, highlighting growing tensions within the EU over arms sales and military cooperation.
Despite Athens’ formal protest against Italy for approving the sale of Piaggio Aerospace to Turkey’s Baykar, Germany, Spain, and the UK continue extensive defense contracts with Ankara.
Berlin maintains a €2.5 billion agreement to supply Turkey with six Type 214 submarines. Negotiations for 40 Eurofighter jets are also underway, though no final deal has been reached. Spain remains a key defense ally, contributing to the construction of the Turkish aircraft carrier Anadolu, which has been adapted as a drone carrier.
The UK has engaged in extensive military collaborations with Turkey, totaling approximately €2.2 billion over the past decade. While Athens insists that European defense cooperation should be transparent, several EU countries continue arms sales to Turkey, a NATO member with strained regional relations.
Athens has refrained from direct intervention but prioritizes its own defense strategy, strengthening military ties with France. This includes acquiring Rafale fighter jets and advanced frigates. French President Emmanuel Macron recently assured Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that discussions regarding Meteor air-to-air missile sales to Turkey are ongoing and not finalized.
Meanwhile, Italy’s aerospace giant Leonardo is reportedly deepening its collaboration with Baykar on unmanned aerial vehicles. Greek officials argue that unchecked European defense deals with Turkey undermine regional security and call for stricter EU-wide transparency measures on arms sales.