Greece is preparing to upgrade its air force with new F-35 Lightning II jets starting in 2028.
At a Glance
- Lockheed Martin will supply up to 40 new fighter aircraft to the Greek air force.
- The initial sale value is $3.5 billion, with options for 20 additional aircraft.
- Deliveries of the F-35s will begin in 2028.
- Greece will be the 19th country to adopt the Joint Strike Fighter jets.
Details of the Agreement
Greece is poised to significantly bolster its air force starting in 2028 with the arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Lockheed Martin’s Vice President J.R. McDonald, in an interview with the Greek publication Kathimerini, revealed that the initial eight jets will come from the U.S., with additional aircraft assembled in Italy. This endeavor includes 20 aircraft in its first phase, with an option for 20 more, making it the heftiest investment in Greece’s military aviation history.
Initially, these aircraft will be stationed in the United States for training needs before reaching Greece by 2030.
Strategic Importance and Geopolitical Considerations
The agreement, made through a U.S. government foreign military sale, signals a significant investment by Greece in its territorial defense amid ongoing tensions with Turkey. The F-35 program includes secure communications, electronic warfare systems, training, logistics, and maintenance support services. The United States Department of State has approved the sale of the 40 F-35 aircraft, 42 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, and supporting technologies.
Lockheed Martin will oversee this extensive upgrade, which not only increases Greece’s defensive capabilities but also strengthens its role within NATO. Brigadier Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and F-35 general manager, highlighted the F-35’s role in enhancing Greece’s sovereignty and operational capability with allies.
Impact on Regional Stability
With Turkey no longer part of the F-35 program after acquiring Russian-made surface-to-air missiles in 2019, Greece’s acquisition of these advanced fighter jets underscores the ongoing regional power dynamics. Greece and Turkey are currently in a detente period but are both building defenses and seeking American-made F-35s. The first batch of 20 F-35s for Greece is scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the initial jets being built in the U.S. The rest might be assembled in Italy, one of the three global factories capable of producing F-35s.
Defense minister Nikos Dendias remarked that the F-35s would serve as a “powerful deterrent in our region.” They aim to support Greece’s updated air defense fleet which includes F-16 Block 52s, the French Dassault Mirage 2000s, and Rafales. While the addition of the F-35s will enhance Greece’s military capabilities, the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
As Greece looks forward to this considerable military upgrade, it strengthens its alliance within NATO and establishes itself as a significant player in regional security and stability.
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