Turkish fighter jets and drones recorded 17 violations of Greece’s national airspace over the northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean on Wednesday, as figures for 2026 show a sharp increase in air and maritime incidents compared with the previous year.
According to the reported statistics, Turkish airspace violations reached 643 between January and September 2026, compared with 225 during the whole of 2025 — an increase of 185.7%.
The figures point to a significant rise in Turkish aircraft activity over the Aegean, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) accounting for a growing share of reported incidents.
Airspace violations rise sharply
The number of violations of Greece’s national airspace increased substantially during the first nine months of 2026. August alone saw 214 violations, almost matching the total recorded throughout 2025.
Violations of air traffic regulations, as defined by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, also increased. Authorities recorded 869 such incidents in the first nine months of 2026, compared with 711 in 2025, a rise of 22.2%.
The number of Turkish aircraft entering the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) rose by 61.4%, from 366 in 2025 to 591 in 2026.
September records peak activity
September 2026 marked a peak in several categories of reported Turkish air activity over the Aegean.
The figures cited in the report show 217 violations of air traffic regulations during the month, alongside 151 aircraft operating in the Aegean. Authorities also recorded five armed formations, three aerial engagements and two overflights of Greek territory. The corresponding figures for overflights in 2025 were zero.
Maritime violations approach 2025 total
Turkish activity at sea also increased during the first nine months of 2026. The reported figures show 2,705 violations of Greece’s territorial waters, approaching the 2,988 recorded throughout 2025.
The monthly average rose from 249 incidents in 2025 to 300.6 in 2026, an increase of 20.7%.
August recorded the highest monthly total, with 453 reported violations of Greek territorial waters, accounting for 16.7% of the 2026 figure cited in the report.
Drones account for most recent activity
The report identifies UAVs as a growing feature of Turkey’s activity over the Aegean.
On 21 October, Turkish aircraft and drones reportedly recorded 17 airspace violations, 12 of which involved UAVs.
During the first 20 days of October, drones accounted for 77 of the 87 Turkish aircraft recorded in the report, or 88.5%. Their use allows Turkey to maintain a regular presence over the northeastern, central and southeastern Aegean without deploying manned aircraft for every mission.
The report says the Greek Air Force and Navy remain on alert, with Greek fighter jets identifying and intercepting aircraft in accordance with applicable procedures.
The figures point to increased Turkish air and maritime activity in the Aegean in 2026, although the reported statistics alone do not establish the reasons behind each incident.
(Source: AMNA)
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