The reasons that led Ankara to the decision to withdraw from the NATO exercise Ramstein Flag-2024 which takes place in Greece, sources from the Turkish Ministry of Defense state, indirectly acknowledging that their complaints were not accepted within the alliance.

Sixty fighter jets of NATO’s leading forces landed at the 117th Fighter Wing in Andravida, in order to participate in the top air exercise of the North Atlantic alliance Ramstein Flag-2024. This is the exercise that is being held outside Germany for the first time

“Between September 30 and October 11, 2024, Exercise Ramstein Flag-2024 will take place in Greece with the participation of 13 NATO member countries. After Greece indicated the FIR (Flight Information Area) line as its area of ​​jurisdiction in the exercise planning document it produced and requested a flight plan, then the necessary actions were taken. Although a positive approach was shown by the NATO authorities, due to the stubborn attitude of Greece, our country did not participate in this exercise” Turkish sources noted according to SKAI’s Istanbul correspondent Manolis Kostidis.

Eurofighter: “We expect positive developments”

Regarding the supply and upgrade of F-16 fighters from the US, the Turkish sources of the Ministry of Defense noted that “the technical negotiations between the two countries regarding the supply of F-16 continue as planned and there is nothing negative” .

“Technical level studies for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft continue. We expect positive developments in this matter as well” it is still noted.

“Ready for our survival”

“As the Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces, we closely monitor the developments in our region and in the world regarding the defense and security of our country, we evaluate them with a multidimensional security strategy and take the necessary measures,” the Turkish ministry said, with occasion of Israel’s attitude and the rapid escalation in the Middle East. Ankara hints that it may be Israel’s next target, in the shadow of related statements by Tayyip Erdogan.

“Israel’s inhumane attacks that disregard international law continue to threaten international security, global and regional stability. The current situation has shown how justified our concerns are that Israeli attacks will not be limited to Gaza but will expand to the entire region.

“Our Turkish Armed Forces are able to eliminate all dangers and threats thator they may aim at our survival” is emphasized.