The government of Greece has made official in Washington its willingness to buy 20 F-35 military aircraft manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin. This is part of efforts to boost defense spending as requested by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to its members. Athens expects deliveries to begin in 2027-2028.

"Our intention is to acquire one F-35 squadron with a possible option for a second. The sending of a letter of request that took place in the last few days is part of this process. It is a long process and I say this because it means we have the fiscal space to make such a purchase", Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told reporters, pointing out that Athens is considering the purchase of two groups of stealth aircraft. 

Greece today spends more than 2 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on military spending, a percentage recommended by NATO. Particularly in recent years Athens has stepped up its defense purchases since tensions have resurfaced with its historic rival, Turkey, its NATO ally that aims to expand its control in the central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. 

On the same topic see also the article story published by AVIONEWS.