Turkey Affirms Indefinite Aegean Navtex Warnings
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that its navigational warnings, known as NAVTEX, in the Aegean Sea are indefinite. These warnings are issued as 'technical objections' to what Ankara describes as 'illegal activities' by Greece in the region. The ministry clarified that these notices are not limited to a two-year period, as had been suggested in some Greek press reports.
A NAVTEX, short for NAVigational TEleX, is an international automated service designed to broadcast navigational and meteorological warnings, along with other urgent maritime safety information, to ships in coastal areas. It forms a crucial part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Ankara's Stance on Maritime Activities and Demilitarization
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the indefinite NAVTEX notices underscore a critical requirement: 'all research activities in maritime areas covering the continental shelf in the Aegean Sea must be coordinated with Türkiye.' This directive reflects Turkey's assertion of its rights and interests in its maritime jurisdiction areas.
Furthermore, the ministry highlighted concerns regarding military activities in areas that include the territorial waters of islands with demilitarized status. It stated that such activities could 'endanger navigational safety and violate international treaties.' The Turkish Armed Forces, according to the ministry, will continue to 'render ineffective, within the framework of international law, unilateral activities and initiatives that ignore our country's rights and interests.'
Greece Rejects Turkish Navtex as 'Illegal'
In response to Turkey's actions, Greek government sources have strongly condemned the indefinite NAVTEX warnings. Athens views these notices, particularly those covering vast areas for extended periods without being linked to specific events, as 'absolutely illegal' and possessing 'no legal basis whatsoever.'
Greece has formally protested this practice by submitting a report to the chair of the competent International Maritime Organization (IMO) committee responsible for global maritime safety. Additionally, the European Commission's 2024 report on Turkey explicitly recorded this practice as illegal. Greek officials have affirmed that Greece will 'continue to exercise its sovereign rights' and will not be deterred by what they describe as 'impulsive and unlawful actions.'
Context of Long-Standing Aegean Disputes
The issuance of these indefinite NAVTEX warnings is the latest development in a series of long-standing and complex controversies between Greece and Turkey concerning sovereignty and related rights in the Aegean Sea. These disputes encompass various issues, including the delimitation of territorial waters, national airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
A significant point of contention is Turkey's non-ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which Greece is a signatory. This difference in adherence to international maritime law leads to divergent interpretations of rights and responsibilities in the Aegean, contributing to persistent tensions between the two NATO allies.
5 Comments
Raphael
It's clear both countries are trying to protect their national interests, but without a shared legal understanding or willingness to compromise, this cycle of escalation will continue.
Donatello
This indefinite NAVTEX is a blatant violation of international law.
Leonardo
Protecting the continental shelf is non-negotiable for Turkey.
Comandante
Finally, Turkey is asserting its legitimate rights in the Aegean.
Muchacha
The article highlights Turkey's concerns about demilitarized islands, but these NAVTEX warnings cast too wide a net, impacting legitimate maritime activities.