Greece Voices Concerns Over Potential Turkish F-35 Acquisition

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has voiced strong public concerns over the possibility that the Trump administration could pave the way for Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, warning that advanced American weapons should not be used against fellow NATO allies. Speaking Thursday at the 30th Economist Roundtable, Dendias said Greece "would not welcome" Turkey receiving either F-35 fighter jets or engines for its next-generation Turkish "Kaan" combat aircraft.

At the same time, Dendias emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Washington. "We are simply asking one question," he said. "Is this truly in the interest of the United States? That is for the US government and the American people to decide." Dendias added that any transfer of advanced military platforms within NATO should include restrictions preventing their use against another member of the alliance.

"NATO, and particularly stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, is of fundamental importance to the United States," he said. "Providing such a platform without the condition that it cannot be used against another allied state raises the question of whether that truly serves American interests."

Greek Fears Over Aegean Balance

Athens’ concerns stem from years of military friction with Turkey. Vassilis Nedos, diplomatic and defense correspondent for Greece’s leading daily Kathimerini, told The Jerusalem Post that the possibility of Turkey acquiring F-35s "is certainly not a welcome one." He noted that before 2023 there were "daily overflights over Greek islands in the Aegean, daily violations, and very dangerous dogfights."

Greece is scheduled to receive its first 20 F-35 fighter aircraft between 2028 and the early 2030s, making the stealth jet the centerpiece of Greece's future air force. "The Hellenic Air Force wants to keep its air superiority over the Aegean," Nedos said.

Quiet Diplomacy

Although Greek officials are not commenting publicly on the potential F-35 deal, Nedos said Athens has repeatedly communicated its concerns to successive US administrations. "The opinions of the Greek government are very well known to the US government," he said. "Greece cannot interfere directly because this is ultimately a discussion between two sovereign nations—the United States and Turkey—but Greece has certainly raised its concerns."

Ankara’s Path Back to the Program

Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. For Turkey to rejoin, it must first prove it no longer possesses the S-400, and changes to US legislation would likely be required. Turkey has also declared a "casus belli" over the possible extension of Greek territorial waters in the Aegean Sea, further complicating the security environment.

Greek Modernization Push

Beyond the F-35, Greece is pushing for broader military modernization, including the purchase of an air defense system known as the "Achilles Shield" with Israeli support. This initiative aims to bolster Greek defenses amid ongoing tensions with Turkey.

Perspectives

  • Greek Government/Defense Officials: Argue that transferring advanced weapons to Turkey without conditions could undermine NATO unity and regional stability. They stress that any such transfer should include restrictions preventing use against another allied state.
  • Turkish Government: Not quoted in this article, but the Turkish government has historically pursued the F-35 program and maintained that its acquisition of the S-400 was a sovereign decision. Turkey has also asserted its rights in the Aegean, including its opposition to Greek territorial water extensions.
  • US Government: Not directly quoted, but the Trump administration’s offer to Turkey to purchase F-35s indicates a willingness to reconsider Ankara’s role in the program, likely balancing NATO solidarity with broader strategic interests.