Türkiye slams Greece’s island militarisation as treaty breach

Greece has announced plans to deploy “self-sufficient” military units on its Aegean islands — some just 1.5 kilometres from Türkiye — as part of its “Agenda 2030” strategy.

The initiative aims to make these units fully autonomous, capable of sustaining themselves without central command, raising red flags in Ankara.

Daily Sabah reports that Turkish defence experts warn the move violates the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Paris Treaty, which granted Greece sovereignty over 23 islands on the strict condition that they remain demilitarised. 

Retired Rear Adm. Cihat Yaycı called the move “a clear violation of international law,” warning it could eventually allow Türkiye to legally challenge Greek sovereignty.

“These are not just defence upgrades,” Yaycı told Daily Sabah, “but part of a broader effort to militarise the islands using pseudo-civilian structures.”

Security analyst Murat Aslan of SETA echoed the concerns, stressing that the new doctrine introduces serious regional security risks. “The concept of autonomous army units, especially on islands designated as demilitarised, is both unacceptable and dangerous,” he said.

Despite a fragile détente since late 2023, tensions remain high between the two NATO neighbours over maritime rights, defence spending, and military exercises. Türkiye has long accused Greece of provocative actions, including recent amphibious drills simulating landings on Türkiye’s coast and the acquisition of thousands of military vehicles, many gifted by the US and Germany.

“Greece portrays Türkiye as a threat to secure external military support,” Aslan said. “It’s a strategy to gain security guarantees without spending money.”

Ankara is now weighing legal and diplomatic responses. Yaycı urged the government to invoke Article 60 of the 1969 Vienna Convention, allowing Türkiye to suspend or terminate treaties in response to Greece’s alleged breaches.

Both experts warned of broader consequences for NATO cohesion. Yaycı argued that Athens' military partnerships with France and the US, especially new bases near Türkiye’s border, could isolate Türkiye from NATO’s eastern flank.

“Türkiye is a major defence exporter and militarily superior,” Yaycı said. “But this is about legal rights and strategic balance, not just matching weapons.”

Aslan concluded: “Greece is one element in a wider regional puzzle. But if militarisation becomes long-term policy, Türkiye will act — legally, diplomatically, and, if necessary, operationally.”

By Tamilla Hasanova