Speaking to SKAI FM, broadcasting in Greece, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made evaluations about the agenda.
Reminding that Washington was positive about Greece’s request to purchase F-35s from the USA, Mitsotakis pointed out that the USA could also give some military materials to Greece free of charge within the scope of the Excessive Defense Material (EDA) Program.
F-35 DESCRIPTION
Mitsotakis said, “We have the opportunity to purchase up to 40 F-35s. Since it is a very expensive purchase, we will not purchase 40 F-35s at once. In the first stage, we have provided enough financial resources to purchase a fleet of F-35s, the projected delivery date of which is 2020.” Until the end of the ‘s.” he said.
EMPHASIS ON Türkiye: ‘WE ARE STILL TRYING TO COMPLETE THE SHIP’S DEFICIENCIES’
Speaking after the journalist reminded that Turkey produces some of its own weapons, Mitsotakis said, “Turkey has a very important defense industry export. On the other hand, we are still trying to complete the shortcomings of the past.” said.
Mitsotakis stated that the “Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborhood” signed between Turkey and Greece in December 2023 put bilateral relations into a normalization process, and stated that his intention is to visit Ankara in May, in return for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Athens in December 2023. He noted that it was to.
BLINKEN SENT A LETTER
In the letter he sent to Mitsotakis last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out the necessity of the official approval process, including Congressional approval, and stated that in addition to the sale of approximately 40 new F-35s to Greece, 3 Protector-class coast guards will be provided within the scope of the Redundant Defense Equipment (EDA) Program. He stated that a boat and various military trucks and tractors would be provided.
In the letter, it was stated that among the other military vehicles and equipment reported to the Congress to be donated to Greece from the US army’s inventory within the scope of the EDA Program, there were 2 C130H military transport aircraft, 10 engines for P-3 maritime patrol aircraft and 60 Bradley type armored combat vehicles.
Blinken noted that they would notify Congress so that 4 surplus LCS class warships from the US Navy could be given to Greece.
Stating that Greece can benefit from up to 200 million dollars from the US foreign military financing program for the defense materials it can provide or sell to Ukraine, Blinken said that they will give Greece priority in MRAP type military all-terrain vehicles that will be available for sale in 2025, and that they will give priority to the KC-135 when they are ready. He stated that they would also evaluate their needs for tanker aircraft.
Blinken also reported that the US Department of Defense was studying the price and quantity of the C-130J model, in addition to the C-130H type military transport aircraft, so that Greece could purchase it.
The estimated price of 40 F-35 fighter jets is $8.6 billion.
Source: AA
