Greece's decision to purchase F-35s

Greece has announced that it has signed the contract for the purchase of 20 F-35 fighter jets from the US as part of a multi-billion dollar program aimed at increasing its national defense capacity.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated, "The letter of acceptance regarding the F-35s has been signed and sent to the US. This purchase will have a strong deterrent effect in our region."

The fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, produced by the leading US weapons and technology company Lockheed Martin, are targeted to be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force starting from 2028. The 8.6 billion dollar agreement also includes an option for Greece to order 20 more F-35s later.

Greek officials announced that the package consisting of the first 20 aircraft, for which the contract has been signed, will cost Athens 3.5 billion dollars.

WE WILL CONTINUE THIS PROGRAM

Following the financial crisis that began in 2009 and lasted for many years, Greece has been taking various steps in recent years to increase its military power. It is known that the disputes Athens has with Turkey regarding sovereignty areas in the Eastern Mediterranean are a significant factor in this armament drive.

Turkey, on the other hand, was removed from the F-35 program, in which it was a partner country, five years ago by the US on the grounds that its purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia would negatively affect NATO's security.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis stated that they are implementing a military modernization program more comprehensive than any in decades, saying, "We will continue this program and we will arm our country and strengthen its defense."

FIRST RAFALE, NOW F-35

Attempting to turn the situation to its advantage following Turkey's removal from the F-35 program, Athens had also signed an agreement with France for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets, and the first aircraft were delivered to Greece in 2021.

The US Department of State had also approved the sale of a package to Greece last January, which includes a total of 40 F-35 fighter jets, 42 aircraft engines, communication devices, various equipment, and electronic warfare systems, as well as services such as training, logistics, and maintenance support.

News Source: 12punto