Greece Scrambles F-16s After Suspected Turkish Drone Enters Airspace

Greece scrambled F-16 fighter jets in response to a drone, believed to be of Turkish origin, that penetrated its airspace near the northeastern port of Alexandroupolis. The incursion occurred close to the Turkish border, prompting an immediate mobilization of the Greek air force, according to state broadcaster ERTnews.

A Greek military source confirmed the incident, noting that the drone flew near the runway of Alexandroupolis airport as a passenger plane was preparing to take off. Two F-16s on standby were immediately dispatched. The passenger aircraft was instructed to use a different runway and maintain a low altitude until the area was clear.

“

it wasn't a serious incident

While a military source described the event as "not a serious incident," it highlights the ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, over competing territorial claims. Greek authorities have reported an increasing number of drone incursions since 2025. The incident also occurs as European countries remain on heightened alert for drone activity, partly due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, which has seen significant use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

“

A Turkish drone illegally penetrated Greek airspace near the northeastern port of Alexandroupolis, near the border with Turkey, prompting the immediate air force mobilisation