In a move laden with high political symbolism, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue of Turkey’s casus belli against Greece during the NATO summit in Ankara — the second time he has done so on Turkish soil. The first was earlier this year at the Greece–Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council. But raising it at NATO — immediately following the highly publicized joint press appearance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former U.S. President Donald Trump — added further weight and diplomatic resonance.
Criticism and Clarification
Mitsotakis drew sharp criticism from Turkish media and President Erdoğan himself. At his own press conference, the Greek PM dismissed Turkey’s casus belli as a “historic orthographic error” — a pointed rhetorical reference underscoring its illegitimacy under international law.
Erdogan’s Sudden Shift
In a surprising reversal, Erdoğan — long known for repeated threats against Greece and persistent provocations in the Aegean — adopted a conciliatory tone at the close of the NATO summit. Speaking to reporters, he claimed: “The overwhelming majority of my people don’t even know what casus belli means.” He added, “There’s no need to burden either the Turkish or the Greek public with this issue.”
A 31-Year-Old Threat
The casus belli resolution was adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 8 June 1995 — over three decades ago. It authorizes the Turkish government to take all necessary measures, including military action, if Greece extends its territorial waters in the Aegean beyond six nautical miles. This directly challenges Greece’s sovereign right — affirmed under international law and UN Convention on the Law of the Sea — to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.
Domestic Political Calculus
Mitsotakis’ intervention also carried an internal political message. Aware that opposition parties — and even some voices within his own New Democracy party — would have seized on any perceived hesitation, he deliberately placed the issue front and center in Ankara. Advisors reportedly referred to critics who loudly champion nationalism from their living rooms as “sofa patriots,” highlighting the performative nature of such rhetoric.
Defense Modernization and Diplomatic Leverage
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis underscored Greece’s strategic progress: in 2019, Greece was excluded from the F-35 program, but today it has secured a landmark agreement for 20 + 20 F-35 fighter jets. Additionally, Greece is upgrading 56 of its 83 F-16 Viper aircraft.
Turkey’s Military Ambitions
Turkey was once part of the F-35 program but was removed after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system. Erdoğan is now seeking reinstatement into the F-35 program, modernization of its F-16 fleet, and acquisition of engines for its indigenous KAAN fighter jet. While prospects for the latter appear promising, the F-16 upgrade remains uncertain — especially amid growing U.S. congressional concerns.