Greece Moves Closer to F-35 Purchase with Parliament Set to Review US Offer

The Greek Parliament is poised to take a significant step towards acquiring a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, with a special committee expected to review the US government’s Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in the coming week.

Greek Defense Ministry sources clarified to Kathimerini that the current focus is on procuring 20 fifth-generation F-35s. The option for an additional 20 aircraft is not being pursued at this time. The LOA outlines the comprehensive cost, encompassing the aircraft themselves, pilot training, logistical support, necessary infrastructure, and all associated stages leading up to the final acquisition. It’s important to note that the offer is time-sensitive and will expire in the last week of July.

Parliamentary approval is crucial, as it empowers the Greek Department of Defense, specifically the Directorate General of Defense Equipment and Investment, to formally sign the LOA and notify the US government. Following this, the US State Department will initiate the next phase by forwarding the document to Lockheed Martin, the F-35 manufacturer, and the broader network of companies involved in the aircraft’s production, as stipulated by the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The final contract signing by both the US government and Lockheed Martin will solidify the deal, committing the company to allocate production slots and begin manufacturing Greece’s first F-35s. This signifies a major advancement in Greece’s pursuit of the advanced fighter jets.