Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed gratitude for the US State Department’s historic decision to authorise 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 welcomes the strategic implications of the decision.
The Prime Minister shared that he received a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which he believes “highlighted and sealed the historic depth of Greek-American relations.” According to Mitsotakis, Greece is now officially set to acquire up to 40 latest-generation F-35 fighter jets, accompanied by a substantial package of complimentary equipment that will significantly reinforce all three branches of the armed forces, as well as the Hellenic Coast Guard.
This supplementary equipment, including frigates, C-130 transports, armoured tanks, and vehicles, was secured through a personal request Mitsotakis made to US President Joe Biden in May 2022. He emphasized, “Thus, the homeland is doubly shielded: on the one hand, its deterrent power is enhanced on land, in the air, and at sea, and on the other hand, the Greek taxpayer is not burdened, as this package will be available free of charge, from US reserves.”
On Friday, the US administration formally informed Congress of its intention to proceed with an $8.6-billion deal to sell 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets to Greece. Concurrently, the announcement of the $23 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey underscored Washington’s efforts to strike a balance between the NATO allies. The geopolitical implications of these transactions continue to be closely monitored.
Source: Ekathimerini.
