Mitsotakis announces Greece's F-35 budget

Speaking to SKAI FM, which broadcasts in Greece, Mitsotakis made assessments regarding the current agenda.

Reminding that Washington looks favorably upon Greece's request to purchase F-35s from the US, Mitsotakis pointed out that the US could also provide some military equipment to Greece free of charge under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program.

Mitsotakis said, "We have the opportunity to acquire up to 40 F-35s. Because it is a very expensive purchase, we will not buy 40 F-35s at once. We have secured enough financial resources to purchase an F-35 squadron in the first stage, with a projected delivery date by the end of the 2020s."

"WE ARE TRYING TO COMPLETE THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE PAST"

Speaking after a journalist reminded him that Turkey produces some of its own weapons, Mitsotakis said, "Turkey has a very significant defense industry export. On the other hand, we are still trying to complete the deficiencies of the past."

Stating that the "Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness" signed between Turkey and Greece in December 2023 has put bilateral relations into a normalization process, Mitsotakis noted that his intention is to visit Ankara in May, in return for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Athens in December 2023.

In a letter sent to Mitsotakis last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed to the necessity of the official approval process, including Congressional approval, and informed him that in addition to the sale of up to 40 new F-35s to Greece, 3 Protector-class coast guard boats and various military trucks and tractors would be provided under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program.

The letter provided information that among the other military vehicles and equipment notified to Congress as being granted to Greece from the US military inventory under the EDA Program were 2 C-130H military transport aircraft, 10 engines for P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, and 60 Bradley-type armored combat vehicles.

Blinken had noted that they would also notify Congress so that 4 excess LCS-class warships from the US Navy could be given to Greece.

Stating that Greece could benefit from up to 200 million dollars from the US foreign military financing program for defense materials it could provide or sell to Ukraine, Blinken expressed that they would prioritize Greece for MRAP-type military land vehicles that will be available for sale in 2025, and that they would also evaluate their needs for KC-135 tanker aircraft when they are ready.

Blinken also reported that the US Department of Defense is conducting a price and quantity study for the C-130J model in addition to the C-130H type military transport aircraft for Greece to purchase.

The estimated price of 40 F-35 fighter jets reaches 8.6 billion dollars.