Kyriakos Mitsotakis hails US for approval of F-35 fighter jets

·

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.

fighter jets
20 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets will be sold to Greece. Photo: Flight Global.

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald expands Women’s Awards with new ‘Woman to Watch’ category

The Greek Herald is expanding its recognition program with a brand-new category: the ‘Woman to Watch’ Award.

Football Australia’s National Second Tier: What’s next for expansion and promotion?

Football Australia has officially unveiled the Australian Championship, the rebranded National Second Tier, set to launch in October 2025.

‘We will feel Greece within us’: Rena Morfi ahead of her Australian shows

One of the most important singers of her generation, Rena Morfi, is counting down to her long journey to Australia.

Fotis Antonios arrested in connection to alleged billion-dollar sex abuse claims scam

NSW Police have arrested seven people, including 55-year-old Fotis Antonios, in connection with an alleged billion-dollar scam.

Oakleigh Grammar Alumni Arthur Demetriou celebrates landmark achievement

Oakleigh Grammar Alumnus Arthur Demetriou celebrated becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to be accepted into Medicine at the UoN.

You May Also Like

‘Brisbane’s Greek Cafe’s’: The tales of Queensland’s old Greek cafes & milk bars come back to life

The era of cafes run by Greek migrants were a phenomenon in Australia, and it’s not just the Greeks who think so. Toni Risson, an...

A brother in spirit: Peter Mousaferiadis pays tribute to his friend Alan Harris

Cultural Infusion’s CEO Peter Mousaferiadis has paid tribute to his late close friend, Alan Harris. The full tribute in English.

Overseas travel in early 2021 ‘challenging, not impossible,’ says Tourism Minister

Federal Tourism Minister, Simon Birmingham, says it's not impossible that international travel could be back on the cards next year.