Greece Welcomes US Approval for F-35 Fighter Jets, Strengthening Defense and Diplomatic Relations

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has welcomed the US State Department's decision to approve the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets to Greece, describing it as "an important day for our national defense and for Greek diplomacy."

Mitsotakis also mentioned that a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the decision "highlighted and solidified the strategic depth of Greek-American relations."

The prime minister stated that Greece is now officially on track to acquire up to 40 of the latest generation F-35 fighter jets. Additionally, Greece will receive a significant amount of equipment for free, which will greatly strengthen all three branches of the armed forces and the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The additional equipment includes frigates, C-130 transports, armored tanks, and vehicles, all of which Mitsotakis was able to secure through a personal request to US President Joe Biden in May 2022. Mitsotakis emphasized that this not only enhances Greece's deterrent power on land, in the air, and at sea, but also does not burden Greek taxpayers, as the package is available free of charge from US reserves.

Last Friday, the US administration officially notified Congress of its intention to proceed with an $8.6-billion deal to sell 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets to Greece. Simultaneously, the US announced the $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, seeking to strike a balance between the two NATO members.

/Greece Welcomes US Approval for F-35 Fighter Jets, Strengthening Defense and Diplomatic Relations