Greece has asked the United States in a letter to buy a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, the Greek Prime Minister said, as part of the country's efforts to boost its defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Turkey.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told reporters in Madrid during the NATO summit that Greece intends to buy a squadron of F-35s manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with a possible purchase of a second squadron.
The Prime Minister added: "Part of this procedure is to send a letter of requisition, which is what happened in recent days," stressing that this is the beginning of a long process and that Athens estimates that it will not receive the planes before 2027 or 2028.
Greek officials said one squadron included 20 aircraft.
Greece has already placed an order for 24 French-made Rafale combat aircraft, six of which are new and 18 formerly serving with the French Air Force, in addition to three French frigates.
Relations between Turkey and Greece, the two neighbors and long-time NATO members, are strained over a series of issues, including territorial disputes in the Aegean and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Recent disputes 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 insists it acts under international law and defends the islands from Turkey.
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- Agencies