Greece has officially approved the purchase of 20 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from the United States as part of a significant defense upgrade, according to government officials. The Defense Minister confirmed that the letter of acceptance for the F-35s has been signed and sent to the United States, emphasizing that this acquisition will enhance Greece's deterrent capabilities in the region.
The delivery of these fifth-generation jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is scheduled to commence in 2028. Additionally, Greece retains the option to procure an additional 20 F-35 jets as part of the $8.6 billion deal. The initial purchase of 20 jets, along with necessary support, is estimated to cost around $3.5 billion.
