Turkey has begun draining water from the Evros River as part of projects related to the Çakmak Dam in Edirne, a development that raises concerns about a possible military operation against Greece.
Regarding the project, Turkish Minister of Agriculture İbrahim Yumaklı stated:
“We have significant news that will contribute to the prosperity of Edirne.
The P2B pumping station, with an investment cost of 747 million Turkish lira, has already begun operations.
It pumps water from the Evros River to fill the reservoir of the Çakmak Dam.
The goal is to prevent potential water shortages in the region.”
However, classified studies link the diversion of water to possible military preparations.
As claimed, Turkey is following a hybrid warfare tactic along the Evros River, preparing the ground for a potential military attack on Western Thrace.
Specifically, Turkey has constructed lateral canals that interrupt the river’s flow at four locations, diverting water to the Turkish side.
In the lower areas of the Greek side, the remaining water is insufficient to sustain the delta.
The Turks use the canals to irrigate rice crops and control the outflow of the Ergene River into the Evros with gates that open and close, directing water to large agricultural areas.
Greece, for its part, remains on alert.
The Hellenic Army has dug anti-tank trenches along the Evros River since 2009, with a total length of 135 kilometers, a width of 32 meters, and a depth of 7 meters, to deter a potential Turkish attack.
Greek forces are specially trained to confront possible movements of Turkish troops, while the area is suitable for the deployment of armored units.
Military modernization and air superiority
On the front of air power, Turkey plans to create its first Eurofighter Typhoon fleet in the first months of 2026, with 12 aircraft capable of launching Meteor missiles, acquired from Qatar.
The commander of the Turkish Air Force, General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, visited Qatar and Oman for talks regarding the procurement and modernization of Eurofighter aircraft.
Greece, on the other hand, had planned to strengthen its air superiority with Rafale and F-35 fighters, but the procurement of the F-35 is facing delays.
It has already added 24 Rafale aircraft to its inventory, while the likelihood of F-35 delivery before 2030 is considered low.
Turkey is expected to acquire two Eurofighter fleets by 2030:
1) Twelve aircraft from Oman, modernized in the United Kingdom, to be delivered in 2028 with Meteor missile capability and AESA radar.
2) 20 new Eurofighters built in the United Kingdom and to be integrated by 2030.
At the same time, Turkey retains the possibility of rejoining the F-35 program and is advancing the development of indigenous KAAN fighters, as well as KIZILEMA and ANKA 3 unmanned aerial vehicles, which will be integrated into operational forces within the coming years.
The upgrading of infrastructure and simultaneous military readiness underscore the strategic importance of the areas around the Evros River, making developments on this front critical for the security of Greece and the wider region.
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