2024-07-25 18:13:15
Athens: The deal for F-35 fighter jets between Greece and the US is almost finalised. The Greek government is soon going to send a signed letter of acceptance (LOA) to the US, which will solidify the purchase agreement for the F-35 fighter jet. The acceptance letter will be sent from the Ministry of Defence to the US government by midnight. The Hellenic Air Force will initially buy 20 F-35 fighter jets at a total cost of 3.47 billion euros. This is being considered a major setback for neighbouring Turkey. Turkey was a partner of the US in the development of the F-35, but was excluded from the programme due to the purchase of the S-400 missile system from Russia.
Delivery of F-35 will start from 2028
Deliveries of the F-35 aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first four jets remaining in the United States until 2030 for training activities, reports the Greek City Times. Full deliveries are expected to be completed by 2033. In addition, Greece has an option to purchase 20 additional F-35s, with the aim of exercising this option after 2030. The purchase package also includes two additional engines, four simulators, various materials, equipment and training services. It includes the Follow On Support (FOS) program, which will begin with the delivery of the first fighters and end in 2033.
Türkiye will lose its sleep
There is a dispute between Greece and Turkey over the islands in the Mediterranean Sea. In such a situation, Greece getting the F-35 is sure to give Turkey sleepless nights. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has negotiated with the US for the F-16 in exchange for Sweden’s participation in NATO, but he is not getting the F-35. The F-35 is considered to be the most advanced and powerful fighter aircraft in the world. In such a situation, the F-35 alone can overpower the Turkish Air Force during a war. This is also expected to increase Greece’s air power tremendously.