Athens, Greece — Greece has sent a letter of request to the United States to buy a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, the country’s prime minister said on Thursday, as part of efforts to boost its defense capabilities amid persistent tensions with neighboring Turkey.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid at a NATO summit, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece intended to buy a squadron of F-35s made by Lockheed Martin, with a possible option for a second squadron .
“Part of this procedure is the sending of the rogatory commission, which took place in the last few days,” Mitsotakis said, stressing that this was the start of a long process and that Athens believed that it would not take delivery of the aircraft until 2027 or 2028. .
Greek officials said a squadron would consist of 20 aircraft.
Greece has already ordered 24 French-made Rafale fighter jets – six new and 18 previously in service with the French air force, as well as three French frigates.
Greece and Turkey, neighbors and NATO allies, have long-standing disputes over a range of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Recent rows have centered on the Greek islands off the Turkish coast, with Ankara accusing Athens of maintaining a military presence on the islands in violation of treaties. Greece maintains that it acts in accordance with international law and defends the islands in the face of Turkish hostility.
ABC News