Greece seals F-35 procurement deal with US
Athens is expected to send the signed Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Washington on Wednesday, finalizing the procurement deal for the F-35 fighter jets.
The LOA will be sent from the Ministry of Defense to the US government by midnight. The Hellenic Air Force will initially acquire 20 F-35 fighter jets, at a total cost of 3.47 billion euros.
Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2028, with the first four remaining in the United States until 2030 for training purposes. Deliveries are anticipated to be completed by 2033.
Additionally, Athens has the option to order another 20 F-35s, with plans to exercise this option after 2030.
The package also includes two spare engines, four simulators, various materials, equipment and training services. It features the Follow On Support (FOS) program, which will commence with the delivery of the first fighter jets and conclude in 2033.
The agreement does not cover construction at the 117 Combat Wing in Andravida, Ilia, which will serve as the base for the Greek F-35s. Upgrades to the base’s infrastructure will be solely the responsibility of Greece.
