Piri Reis Stirs the Aegean: Greek Armed Forces Conduct Readiness Exercise from Evros to Kastellorizo

Greece is conducting a large-scale readiness exercise today, starting at 5 a.m., spanning the entire Aegean Sea and from Evros to Kastellorizo, aimed at demonstrating resolve and deterrence capability. The operation comes in response to Turkey’s announced research activities of the oceanographic vessel “Piri Reis.”

For the exercise, the joint readiness force was activated, involving personnel and assets from all three branches of the Greek Armed Forces, as well as the Special Warfare Command (ΔΕΠ) of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (ΓΕΕΘΑ).

Ankara raises sovereignty issues

With the deployment of the Piri Reis in the Aegean, Turkey has triggered questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. It issued a NAVTEX from its İzmir station valid until September 25 for “scientific” research at 22 points, including areas around the Gulf of İzmir, west of Lesbos, south of Chios, and up to the islet of Kalogeros in the central Aegean.

Although the Turkish oceanographic vessel is technically capable of conducting such measurements, the critical issue remains who holds the authority to issue NAVTEX notices, especially when the planned route crosses Greek territorial waters.

In response, Greece issued a counter-NAVTEX from the Limnos Hydrographic Station, emphasizing that these areas lie within Greek continental shelf and jurisdiction, for either research or military exercises.

Military mobilization from Evros to the Aegean

The exercise involves soldiers, aircraft, and naval vessels from all branches, with Special Forces deployed to over 30 islands. Ground forces in Evros have also been mobilized, ensuring full readiness against any potential scenario.

As Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis emphasized: “Greece will continue to defend its national interests without taking a single step back.”

Geopolitical context: Chevron and Eastern Mediterranean tensions

The Turkish move with Piri Reis coincides with Chevron’s official proposal to explore offshore areas south of Crete, heightening geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The simultaneous Greek readiness exercise signals that Athens is closely monitoring Ankara’s activities, maintaining high vigilance and military presence at all critical points in the Aegean.

Deterrence and resolve

The joint exercise highlights Greece’s ability to respond swiftly to any provocation. The integration of air, naval, and ground forces sends a clear message of deterrence and underscores the strategic importance of the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean for national security and the protection of sovereign rights.