Athens is considering including a special provision in future state defense contracts aimed at excluding Turkiye from participating in arms and military equipment procurements. The initiative, already dubbed the "Turkiye clause" in Greek and international media, is being discussed as part of the preparation of a new defense procurement doctrine by the Greek Ministry of Defense.

The essence of the proposal is that suppliers of modern weaponry participating in tenders to supply the Hellenic Armed Forces must provide written guarantees that these systems will not be transferred or sold to Turkiye. If such guarantees are not provided, the Greek side intends to deny participation to those contractors. According to officials, this measure will protect Greece’s strategic interests and prevent situations where weapons supplied to Athens might end up in the hands of a potential adversary.

Sources emphasize that the decision comes amid escalating military-political tensions between Greece and Turkiye, who have long been in dispute over maritime borders, energy resources, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek officials have been particularly critical of Germany’s sale of Type 214 submarines to both countries, which they believe undermines the balance of power in the region.

According to Greek media, the document also requires at least 25% participation of Greek industry in each major defense project, aiming to stimulate the development of the national defense sector and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Turkish officials have not yet commented on Athens’ procurement initiative, although Ankara has recently criticized Greece’s moves in military and energy sectors, including agreements with foreign companies on hydrocarbon exploration in disputed maritime areas.

 

Experts note that such a “clause” could complicate Turkiye’s participation in regional defense programs and further intensify the confrontation between the two NATO member states, who are formally allies but often clash in practice due to differing strategic interests.

Researcher and consultant,
Nicholas Georgiou 

#GREECE

#TURKIYE

20.02.2026 10:27