The U.S. military has recently started using an airfield in Larisa, Greece to operate spy drones, citing “threats from the south” as a contributing factor in the decision.
Apart from the threats, the only other factor Air Force officials mentioned was “foreign policy security objectives in the region,” as they declined to release further details about the drone missions due to “operational security considerations.”
The Air Force has deployed MQ-9 Reapers, a more advanced substitute for Predator drones, which it said will remain unarmed while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions — also known as ISR.
Auburn Davis, Air Force Media Operations Chief in Europe and Africa, told The Intercept in an interview that the Reapers are being deployed in Larisa on a “temporary basis” while they shift to another location.
The new drone operations continue a trend of military collaboration between the United States and Greece, a topic which U.S. ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt mentioned earlier this year when he said that top officials from both countries had met to discuss “further strengthening of our air force-to-air force relationship.”
The United States Embassy in Athens Tweeted about the spy drones — in Greek.
Στα αμερικανικά drones στη Λάρισα ο πρέσβης των ΗΠΑ Τζέφρι Πάιατ https://t.co/bScM8cHMuN
— U.S. Embassy Athens (@USEmbassyAthens) May 31, 2018
Numerous U.S. Navy vessels have called in Greek ports over the past several months and the Embassy in Athens has been quick to share the increased activity via its Twitter page.
Thanks to RDML Black, CAPT Dienna & 5500 women & men of @USSHARRYSTRUMAN for hosting group from @USEmbassyAthens. It was an honor & privilege to see skill & capabilities of “Lone Warrior” in action. Deeply appreciate all you do for security and stability in the region! @USNavy pic.twitter.com/7JJgeDtohA
— U.S. Embassy Athens (@USEmbassyAthens) May 31, 2018
While the move shows further cooperation between Washington and Athens, it could potentially worsen already deteriorating U.S. ties with Turkey, a NATO ally that has historically contentious relations with Greece.
The Larisa installation also forms part of growing U.S. intelligence operations close to Africa, which is where Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said the Reaper drones are usually based.
In recent years, the military has flown the drones from its large network of airfields and bases in northern African countries such as Djibouti, Cameroon, Tunisia and Niger.
In intelligence operations such as those being launched in Greece, the MQ-9 can fly for up to 14 hours at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, according to documents from the Air Force and Pentagon.
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