ATHENS, (BM) – The world-famous line “Nothing personal, just business” manifested itself in full force in the bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey. Today, several media outlets, including Greek and Turkish, announced that a Turkish company had won a tender to sell 50 miniature tactical drones to the Greek government, he learned BulgarianMilitary.com.
Read more: Allies conflict: Greece deployed tanks and defense systems along the border with Turkey
The unmanned devices of the Turkish company Assuva have already passed tests by the Greek authorities. Model Proton Elic RB-128 is mostly a civilian drone, which can even be purchased from certain online stores. Its function has a predominantly civilian purpose and is aimed at scanning various objects in order to detect bunkers, dungeons and other types of hiding places.
The Turkish manufacturer claims that the Proton Elic RB-128 is ideal for rescue and search operations. It is equipped with thermal cameras and sensors.
“We have received all the necessary export licenses for export to Greece,” the company’s president Remzi Basbug said, adding that the company had previously sold the same drones to the armed forces of Turkey, China and Sri Lanka.
It can be argued that this news is quite unexpected, given the fact that for decades Greece has seen Turkey as a potential enemy. Historically, in the Balkans, there has been a conflict between these two nations, which has so far been limited to episodic provocations.
As last week, the Greek armed forces have been put on high alert due to Turkey’s intentions to start drilling near the island of Kastelorizo. This was preceded by an increase in activity at the Turkish naval base Aksaz, 15 ships remaining from there, which caused alarm in Athens.
Read more: Greece threatens Turkey with military clashes because of the Mediterranean
However, it is expected with interest how Greek society will react to such a deal.
Last month, tensions were highest between the two countries in years
Tensions between the two countries have always been high, but as they read, they have escalated in the last two months. Starting with the refugee problem and the inclusion of Frontex in the protection of the Greek and European border, respectively, and ending with the differences between Athens and Ankara over who has what rights at sea and who, how and when to dig in it.
We just remaind you that on June 13 Greece sent military equipment along the border with Turkey, despite the statements of Ankara about the impossibility of a military conflict with Athens.
The tension came after Turkye decided to conduct oil and gas exploration in the Greek continental shelf.
Footage of the transfer of Greek military equipment to areas bordering Turkey was published on social networks. One of the videos shows the transportation of Leopard tanks, PzH 2000 armored howitzers, TOR anti-aircraft missile systems and other Greek military equipment.
On June 5, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panayotopoulos announced the country’s readiness for any scenario, including full-scale hostilities with Turkey, and accused Ankara of aggressive behavior against the Greek state.
Read more: Russia and Israel could get involved in a military conflict between Greece and Turkey
In turn, Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar rules out the possibility of a military clash with Greece over disputes over maritime borders. According to him, all disputed issues between the two states will be further resolved through negotiations. In particular, he called for a regular meeting in Ankara.
Greece and Turkey, both members of NATO, have long-standing disputes over borders in the Aegean Sea, mineral rights in the eastern Mediterranean and airspace.
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