19.08.2025 03:23
Turkey's deepening cooperation with Spain and Italy has been met with concern in Greece. The Greek press has scrutinized several notable developments, ranging from the construction of TCG Anadolu to the acquisition of Eurofighters, and from the Baykar-Leonardo partnership to cooperation in Libya and the Middle East.
Kathimerini, one of Greece's leading newspapers, examined Turkey's recent relationships developed with Spain and Italy in the fields of defense and diplomacy.
TURKEY'S COOPERATION WITH SPAIN AND ITALY HAS CAUSED PANIC IN GREECE
The article noted that despite various disagreements with the European Union (EU), Ankara's deepening cooperation with the two important countries in the south of the continent is seen as worrying from Athens' perspective.
SPAIN'S ROLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TCG ANADOLU AND EUROFIGHTER EXPORTS
The newspaper highlighted the long-standing close relationship between Turkey and Spain, emphasizing the joint development of a 300-meter MİLGEM-like warship project and that TCG Anadolu, the first amphibious assault ship in the Turkish Navy's inventory, was built based on the Spanish Juan Carlos I ship.
The report also stated that Spain's support for Turkey is not limited to ship projects. It was expressed that Madrid, which postponed its own program for the delivery of Eurofighter jets, allowed Ankara to procure 40 additional fighter jets earlier.
COOPERATION IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY WITH ITALY
Turkey's relations with Italy also became one of the agenda items of the news. It was reminded that in June, Turkish defense industry firm Baykar acquired the Italian company Piaggio Aerospace, and the collaboration process initiated between Baykar and the Italian defense company Leonardo was also highlighted as a significant development. The partnership reportedly covers various areas such as satellites, helicopters, and missile systems.
LIBYA AND MIDDLE EAST POLICY
Kathimerini also wrote that Turkey's cooperation with Spain and Italy is not limited to the defense industry. It pointed out that Ankara and Rome are in close contact regarding Libya policy, while Madrid is moving in a similar line with Turkey in its Middle East policy.