Greece has officially signed an agreement to procure 20 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, marking its entry as the 19th country to operate the advanced fifth-generation jets developed by Lockheed Martin.
Greece’s defense minister, Nikos Dendias, made the announcement, hailing the deal as a significant step in modernizing the nation’s air force.
“Greece is building powerful armed forces by purchasing the most modern combat aircraft in the world,” Dendias said, according to a translation from state-owned public media EPT News.
The deal, valued at $3.76 billion, provides a substantial modernization boost for Greece’s air force, which will replace its aging fleet of F-4 and Mirage 2000 aircraft.
The US State Department had cleared Greece in January to purchase up to 40 F-35A jets, with an estimated total cost of $8.6 billion. For now, the agreement covers the acquisition of 20 jets, with deliveries slated to begin in 2028 and continue through 2033. The aircraft will be stationed at Andravida Air Base in Greece.
In addition to the aircraft, the deal includes comprehensive support elements such as the training of flight engineers in the United States, the establishment of flight simulators in Andravida, and initial technical support.
Athens retains the option to order an additional 20 F-35 jets, with plans to exercise this option after 2030.
“We are excited to welcome Greece into the F-35 enterprise,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office. “The F-35 will provide exceptional capability to the Hellenic Air Force, build interoperability between our allies, and strengthen the combat effectiveness of all NATO forces.”
The manufacturer said in a statement, “The F-35 is rapidly becoming the NATO standard fighter of choice, offering unparalleled interoperability with NATO and other allied assets. This capability stands as a significant advantage for the US and its allies, ensuring strategic superiority for decades.”
By the 2030s, more than 600 F-35s are projected to be operational in over 10 European countries, including two full US F-35 squadrons stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
Currently, the F-35 operates from 32 bases worldwide, with 10 nations operating the jets on their home soil. Nearly 1,000 F-35s are in service, having accumulated over 860,000 flight hours fleetwide.
