Greece increased its military spending by 57% to 5.5 billion euros, amid increased tension with its neighboring country Turkey, Al-Masdar reports.

To strengthen the armed forces, Greece intends to complete the purchase of 18 French-made Rafale fighter jets and to acquire new frigates, helicopters, and drones.

According to Al-Masdar, Greece also intends to modernize its old fleet of F-16 fighters and increase its troop numbers by 15,000.

Turkey and Greece have been involved in a long-standing disagreement over the eastern Mediterranean waters, with the conflict reaching its peak after Ankara began seismic surveys close to the Greek island Kastelorizo.

Athens has accused Ankara of violating its sovereignty, while also destabilizing the region with their interventions in Syria and Libya. The authorities in Athens have called on the European Union to sanction Turkey, a move that Ankara has criticized.

Turkey insists that its gas and oil exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean do not threaten its neighbors, adding that defends the rights of its people.