Greece has officially approved a deal to buy 20 F-35 jets from the United States as part of a defense modernization drive, government officials said today, quoted by the Associated Press, BTA reports.
"The F-35 acceptance letter has been signed and sent to the United States,”, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said during a visit to an air base near Athens. The purchase, he said, would create a "powerful deterrent presence in our region”. Delivery of fifth generation aircraft manufactured by "Lockheed Martin" (Lockheed Martin), to begin in 2028, while Greece retains the option to buy 20 additional F-35s as part of an $8.6 billion deal.
The purchase of the first 20 planes, along with additional maintenance, will cost about $3.5 billion, Greek officials said.
Greece is rearming its army as part of a decade-long program after a protracted financial crisis and ongoing tensions with neighbor and NATO ally Turkey, notably over a maritime border dispute. Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program five years ago because of its decision to buy the Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, a move seen in the United States as a compromise with NATO security, AP notes.
In Athens, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis described the current campaign to modernize the army as the most significant in "many decades”.
"We will continue to implement this major program, equipping our country and strengthening its defenses,” Marinakis said.
Athens is seeking air superiority after excluding Turkey from the F-35 purchase. It also acquired modern French-made Rafale fighter jets. Deliveries to the Greek Air Force began in 2021, starting with jets previously used by the French military, which will be supplemented by new aircraft produced by French defense contractor Dassault Aviation.
In January, the US State Department approved the sale, which could eventually total 40 F-35s, along with 42 engines, as well as services and equipment, including secure communications devices, electronic warfare systems, training, logistics and support.