Her fleet power levels up Air Force with the reinforcement of American F35 fighters, for the acquisition of which he gave the green light the State Department.
THE Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke of an important day and emphasized that the agreement is the result of a methodical, quiet and long effort, which seals the high level of relations between Athens and Washington.
Among other things, he stated:
“It is an important day for our national defense and for Greek diplomacy. Because, based on a letter I received from the Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken, the strategic depth of Greek-American relations is highlighted and sealed…(cut)…In an era of uncertainty, therefore, our homeland confirms that it stands with seriousness and geopolitical maturity in world map. While, at the same time, it serves its national rights, shielding its defense. On the path of stability and peace, always with pride and national self-confidence.
(…) The homeland is thus shielded doubly: on the one hand, its deterrent power is magnified on land, in the air and at sea. While, on the other hand, there is no burden on the Greek taxpayer, as this package will be made available free of charge, from the American reserves… It is the result of a methodical, silent and long effort, which combined the ally consistency of Greece on the international fronts with the promotion of its national interests. A result which consolidates, at the same time, the dynamic and independent Greek-American strategic relationship.
(…) Today’s development justifies the active diplomacy of credibility that we have followed everywhere in recent years: from the war in Ukraine, the enlargement of NATO and the energy security of Europe, to the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and the drama of the Middle East. With clear positions and initiatives on major issues, Greece now plays an active role in the Western world. Something that its partners and allies recognize, seeing in our country a constant supporter, a trusted interlocutor but also a necessary companion and partner”.
“We have sought to work closely with Greece to advance our common interests and international peace and security, which are vital to the continuation of the rules-based international order. This strong bilateral relationship is a testament to the strong ties between our nations, and I am encouraged by the progress we have made together under the US-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement to maintain strong, capable and interoperable militaries,” stressed US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
K. Mitsotakis on ERT: Greece will continue to work for security, peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
THE Greece supports the overall strengthening of NATOhe says in a statement to ERT and the Lena Argyri and to Michael Ignatiou of Hellas Journal, the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and adds that “Greece will continue to work for security, peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, within the framework of NATO and the EU”.
What does the deal mean?
Government officials emphasized that with this agreement:
- The leading role of Greece is recognized in practice
- Greece is a pillar of stability / peace / security
- Greece is a reliable partner / ally
- Policy justification in geopolitical crises
- Consolidation of the historically high level of Greek-American relations
What government officials note is that our country’s relationship with the US is:
- not otherwise specified
- is independent and
- independent of relations with other countries
A stable Greek position, after all, is that no equipment attributed to a country can be used against an ally country.
Satisfaction in the US for the sale of F35s to Greece and F16s to Turkey
Satisfaction prevails in the American government because a complex case, as the sale of the F16s to Turkey and by extension the supply of the F35s to Greece, has finally come to an end.
In Congress, there is still concern about Turkey’s attitude all these months and the open blackmail on the Sweden issue, and they are sending the message to Erdogan that from now on they will be watching him very carefully on a number of issues among them of course and the his attitude towards Greece.
And there are not a few who point out to the US that the sale of F16s is a long process and can be interrupted or suspended at any time if Ankara gives reasons.
In relation to Greece, everyone now recognizes the country’s role, it is no longer just a pillar of stability but a necessary and irreplaceable ally of America in the wider region, as sources in Congress told ERT.
Furthermore, maintaining its defense advantage over Turkey is a decision made by the American actor and a conscious strategic choice.
The Armed Forces are being equipped
The F35 is an invisible stealth fighter aircraft, with advanced navigation systems, equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as laser-guided bombs, and has the ability to take off and land vertically.
The F35 is a single-engine, single-seat, multi-role aircraft that provides the pilot with 360-degree visual visibility, powerful battlefield and operational scanning radars and sensors, develops a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and flies at 50,000 feet, and is considered a vital weapon in the modern unified and interdisciplinary field of business.
In parallel with the F35s, Greece, utilizing the American surplus military equipment concession program, is expected to receive 04 LCS frigates, 02 C130 transport aircraft, 03 Protector-class patrol boats for the Coast Guard, 60 Bradley armored vehicles, ten engines for P3B ORION aviation surveillance aircraft and various trucks and towing platforms.
The US military surplus program gives Greece future priority to receive mine-resistant MRAP armored vehicles and KC-145 flying tankers.
Greece, with the strategy of strengthening its deterrent capability, already has 18 Rafales, 06 more are expected within 2024, it is already receiving the upgraded F16 VIPERs, the receipt of which will be completed in 2027, while from March Greece begins to receive the 07 type helicopters Romeo of anti-submarine warfare for the Navy, expecting of course the French frigates Bellara.
“These are the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft in the history of mankind, they will modernize and strengthen the military capabilities of Greece and especially its Air Force, they will be used in cross-branch and inter-alliance NATO activities and to strengthen regional security , the US values Greece as an ally as a partner and as a security provider, and this contributes to the stability of the region,” said US Ambassador George Tsounis.
ERT Report: Dimitris Gatsios – Dimitris Thomas | Response – New York: Lena Argyri
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