The rubber patch sawn on the uniform of an Indian Air Force pilot who participated in the “HNIOHOS 2023” exercise, which took place in Greece between April 18-28, caused a stir in Turkey. The patch depicts a Mirage 2000 chasing a… ghost in a fez with the words “Mehmetcik Busters” referring to pilots flying Turkish aircraft.
In the photo that has been made public, it shows General Konstantinos Floros greeting an Indian Mirage 2000 pilot who took part in the exercise and is wearing the patch in question on his arm.
A clearer picture of the patch worn by Indian Air Force Wing Commander. And Correction also about exact words, its “Mehmetçik Busters” pic.twitter.com/79u2F40arh
— Air Operations Syndicate (@AirOpsSyndicate) April 29, 2023
Some Turkish media and users on social networks talk about a “devilish union” between Greece and India since New Delhi is a mortal enemy of Turkey’s ally Pakistan.
In the past, the patch in question was “worn” by Greek Air Force pilots, sometimes working as an animator. However, they are not official marks and logos, as the neighbors complain, who have themselves from time to time released – on a private initiative – patches with themes against Greece and Cyprus.