Türkiye expands NAVTEX activity in the Aegean amid Greece’s 12-mile debate

Media reports in Greece say Türkiye has issued a series of NAVTEX notifications across parts of the Aegean Sea, a move widely read in Athens as a response to ongoing discussion over the possible extension of Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.

Greek outlets describe the recent NAVTEX notices as broader in scope and longer in duration than previous announcements, portraying them as part of a sustained pattern rather than a one-off move. Several reports frame the activity as a signal aimed at reinforcing Türkiye’s long-standing position that any unilateral extension of territorial waters in the Aegean would be unacceptable.

Greek commentary has linked the timing of the NAVTEX activity to renewed domestic debate on maritime rights, arguing that Ankara is seeking to pre-empt political or legal steps by maintaining operational presence at sea. In this reading, the notices are presented as a tool of pressure rather than a tactical exercise notification.

Turkish authorities have not publicly framed the NAVTEX announcements as a response to Greece’s 12-mile debate. Ankara has repeatedly stated that such an extension in the Aegean would alter the existing balance and has warned against unilateral actions, while continuing to signal support for dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

The developments come just ahead of a planned meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sharpening attention on whether maritime signalling is now being used to define red lines before political talks resume.