ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities said an F-16 fighter jet crashed in the Aegean Sea during a training flight Wednesday and a rescue operation was underway after the pilot ejected from the aircraft.
The incident occurred near the small island of Psathoura, 175 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of Athens, after the single-seat jet fighter took off from an air base in central Greece.
Two helicopters, two military planes and a navy frigate were involved in the rescue effort, joined by coast guard vessels in the area, officials said.
Other details were not immediately available.
Greece is currently upgrading its F-16 fleet as part of a major military modernization program aimed at keeping pace with regional rival Turkey.
Wednesday’s crash occurred hours after Greece took delivery of three U.S.-made MH-60R Seahawk navy helicopters at a ceremony near Athens. The manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said it will deliver four more MH-60Rs in 2025.