Greece’s prime minister claims that his nation has written to the US asking for permission to purchase a squadron of F-35 fighter aircraft.
Greece’s Athens (AP) — Greece’s prime minister announced on Thursday that the country has written to the United States asking for permission to purchase a squadron of F-35 fighter jets as part of attempts to strengthen its defense capabilities in light of the ongoing tensions with its neighbor Turkey.
During a NATO summit in Madrid, Kyriakos Mitsotakis told reporters that Greece planned to purchase a squadron of the F-35 aircraft built by Lockheed Martin, with an option for an additional squadron.
According to Mitsotakis, “part of this procedure is the sending of the Letter of Request, which has occurred recently.” He emphasized that this was just the beginning of a protracted process and that Athens anticipated not receiving the aircraft until 2027 or 2028.
According to the Greek government, a squadron consists of 20 aircraft.
Three French frigates and 24 French-built Rafale fighter jets, including six brand-new and 18 that had previously been in service with the French Air Force, have already been ordered by Greece.
Greece and Turkey, who are neighbors and NATO allies, have been at odds for a long time on several matters, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and the ability to explore for energy in the eastern Mediterranean.
Recent disputes have centered on the Greek islands off the coast of Turkey, with Ankara accusing Athens of violating treaties by keeping a military presence there. Greece asserts that it is protecting the islands by international law while facing Turkish hostility.
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