Aegean Sea Occurrence

The Aegean Sea Occurrence was a brief encounter between the Hellenic Air Force and the Turkish Air Force in which two pilots died when their aircraft collided with each other.

Both governments refused to accept responsibility for the event and it still remains unresolved.

= Timeline of Events = 15 March 2012, 0600 - 4 unknown Turkish aircraft are detected in Greek airspace not recognized by Turkey. The Hellenic Air Force scrambles 6 fully armed F-16 fighters to intercept the aircraft. 15 March 2012, 0830 - Turkish aircraft identified by the HAF as 2 F-16 fighters and 2 recon/AEWC aircraft. The Turkish Air Force scrambles 2 additional F-16 fighters. Aircraft on both sides begin attack maneuvers. 15 March 2012, 0915 - Greece sends official inquiry to Ankara. No response is received. 2 more F-16 fighters arrive from Turkey. 22 F-16 fighters are sent from Greece. 15 March 2012, 1005 - Turkish F-16 fighters are ordered to withdraw 50 nautical miles. 18 additional fighters take off from Turkey. Another Boeing 767 AEWC is sent from Turkey. Greece sends another official inquiry, demanding Turkish fighters leave the airspace. Again no response is received. 15 March 2012, 1030 - During the mock dogfight two F-16s, one from each respective air force, collide head on. Both pilots die instantly and both aircraft are lost. Turkish aircraft fire warning rounds at the Greek fighters prompting no response. Greece, for a third time, attempts to contact Ankara. A connection is finally made. 15 March 2012, 1040 - Another near collision between two opposing fighters. Both air forces withdraw their aircraft.

= Aegean Sea Dispute and Inconsistent Reports =

Greece
Initial reports from Greece confirmed an incident did occur over the Aegean Sea. However, the Hellenic government insisted it was a planned military exercise with the Turkish Air Force. The Greek government then changed its story, moving its official position to cite its claims of airspace over the Aegean Sea. Airspace which Turkey recognizes as its own.

Turkey
The Turkish government released a statement shortly after the incident claiming it was unprovoked military aggression on the part of the Greek Air Force. Turkish fighters were flying in Turkish claimed airspace. Greece recognizes this airspace as its own.

= Aftermath = In both countries, anti-Greek/Turk sentiment led to riots and protests in both countries. With both sides hoping to avenge their lost pilot, the riots were mostly aimed at the opposing embassy. The occurrence and lack of an apology led to the founding of the Organization for the Destruction of Greece, a radical protest group aimed at forcing a Greek apology from a government official, as opposed to the ambassador to Turkey whom had apologized on behalf of his government.