The acquisition of 20 F-35 Block 4 advanced multirole aircraft will significantly enhance Greece’s aerial capabilities. This strategic move is crucial in light of the ongoing rivalry with Turkey, particularly since Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program due to purchasing weapons systems from Russia, leading to tensions with the US. This procurement will shift the balance of power between the two countries, prompting Turkey to reconsider its acquisition of F-16 upgrade kits.
In a landmark decision, the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) approved the purchase of 20 F-35 advanced multirole aircraft from the United States. The process, estimated to cost $3.54 billion, is set to last several years and involves various procurement programs.
The next steps include signing the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) by the end of July and upgrading the 117th Combat Wing in Andravida to accommodate the new aircraft. Additional approval was granted for the acquisition of unmanned helicopters for new frigates, alongside discussions on cybersecurity and civil protection measures.