The United States and Greece are in discussion over the establishment of a U.S. Army base on Karpathos island in the Dodecanese.
According to ANT1 news negotiations are at an advanced stage and the US hopes to use the island for an air base for F-22 Raptor fighter jets, as well as for defensive Patriot missile systems.
The US military is searching for a larger presence in Greece due to its geopolitical significance.
Discussions regarding Karpathos island are high on the agenda in the upcoming visit of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos to the US, and his meeting with his American counterpart, James Matisse.
The U.S. military is planning to expand its presence in Greece as both Washington and Athens’ relationship with Turkey deteriorates. The U.S. hopes to closely collaborate with Athens to increase access for their U.S. aircraft and ships, and increase joint exercises in Greece, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said during his official two-day visit last week.
US set to expand Military Presence in Greece amid tensions with Turkey
