Greek and Turkish jets ‘collide’
Greek and Turkish fighter jets have collided in mid-air over the southern Aegean sea, Greek officials say.
The collision happened near to the island of Karpathos and a search and rescue effort has been mounted. The fate of the pilots is not yet known.
A Greek government official said it appears an “interception operation” was under way at the time. The Turkish authorities have not yet commented.
The two countries dispute airspace and territorial waters in the Aegean.
Their warplanes frequently intercept each other and hold mock dogfights in the disputed airspace.
In the past, the two have come close to armed conflict in the area.
Greek state television Net said the planes involved included a Greek F-16 fighter and a Turkish RF-4 reconnaissance plane.
“It was likely an interception operation,” Greek government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said.
The Greek authorities said they had sent search and rescue teams, including a frigate, to the area.
“Several Super Puma rescue helicopters are on their way to the area,” a Greek government official told Reuters news agency.
another tussle taken its toll lets who is to blame F16 being smarted jet should have avoided this situation.