Defense minister open to meeting with Turkish counterpart

Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos has said that he is open to a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, in the near future, indicating that an invitation has been extended from the Turkish side but not finalized.

Speaking to Skai FM, Panagiotopoulos said such a meeting was more likely to take place in the earthquake-stricken parts of Turkey where Akar has been spending a considerable amount of time, although both countries are in a pre-electoral period. The minister said relations have improved between the two neighbors since the deadly earthquakes in southeastern Turkey and tensions have subsided, but “it is uncertain” whether this change will last.

Asked about Greece’s procurement program, he said that the 12th Rafale fighter jet the country has ordered from France has arrived at the Tanagra air force base, while the ministry is expecting soon a letter of offer and acceptance for the F-35 jets from the United States, pending details about the defense industry’s participation in the deal, and the creation of infrastructure for the aircrafts’ reception in Greece.

In 2024, Greece will receive another three C-130 military transport aircraft, while a third C-27 transport aircraft will be delivered by year’s end, and a fourth early in 2024. With these, Greece will then have eight C-27s. Asked about the delays in the maintenance for the C-130s, Panagiotopoulos said the problem will be “partly resolved” through an Israeli company that will maintain three of them.