On the historic occasion of President Barack Obama’s visit to Greece as part of his last European tour, three violations of Greek airspace sovereignty rules were recorded by Athens FIR (Flight Information Region), and the Turkish fighter aircraft were recognized and intercepted by corresponding fighter planes on the Greek side.

Two Turkish aircraft and naval aircraft today entered Athens’ FIR  without submitting flight plans, as required.

Three violations by the Turkish fighter planes were recorded, resulting in two violations of Greece’s national airspace in the northeast and southeast Aegean.

In each instance the Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by their Greek counterparts, causing virtual dogfights.

The two Turkish aircraft were fully armed.  No casualties were reported.