The strategic depth of Greek-American relations is highlighted and sealed
The participation in the F-35 program for the purchase of 40 state-of-the-art fifth-generation fighters from the USA and the large package of American aid to the country mark a significant strengthening of Greece's defense capacity as well as an upgrade of its diplomatic position.
As noted by government sources: "With the letter of the Secretary of State of the United States Anthony Blinken to the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the letter of the State Department to the Congress (notification), the way for the acquisition of up to forty F-35s from the Greece, as the relevant request has already been approved by Congress (and in fact shortly before the second round of national elections in June 2023)".
"The official acceptance of the Greek request for the supply of F-35s, together with the simultaneous granting of a very important package of free military equipment from the US stockpile – which includes, among others, four LCS frigates, two C-130 transports, 60 armored tanks, patrol ships – to Greece is a "vote of confidence" in Greece and the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, they emphasize.
The same sources continue by saying that "it is a practical recognition of the leadership role of Greece in the region, its role as a pillar of stability, peace and security, as well as a necessary and reliable partner and ally that demonstrated seriousness, consistency and an allied spirit in dealing with all the major crises of recent years".
At the same time, they state that "the Blinken letter vindicates the diplomatic capital built by the government and the policy it followed in the geopolitical crises in the region, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the achievement of energy security in Southeast Europe, to the crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East".
In the same context, it is pointed out that "the development seals and consolidates the historically high level of Greek-American relations and proves in practice that the Greek-American strategic relationship and defense cooperation is autonomous and not defined differently. The relationship with the USA is self-contained and independent from relationships with other countries and the transition to the fifth generation fighter aircraft is the best evidence for the course of Greek-American relations".
How does the Greek government comment on the sale of F-16s to Turkey
Regarding the F-16s to Turkey, it is emphasized that "Greece is dealing with the armoring and strengthening of its armed forces. It cannot dictate US policy on defense programs towards third countries. Nor can defense supplies to Greece, a reliable partner and ally, be linked to the armament programs of other countries."
Concluding, they note that "the fixed Greek position, especially in the context of participation in NATO, is that no equipment assigned to a country can be used against an ally country. After all, this serves regional stability and the Alliance's interests in the region."
Mitsotakis: The homeland is shielded
Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a statement regarding the State Department's approval of the sale of the state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets stating, among other things, that "the strategic depth of Greek-American relations is highlighted and sealed".
He referred to the arms race in general, stressing that Greece's deterrent power is being increased on land, in the air and at sea, while noting that "there is no burden on the Greek taxpayer, as this package will be provided free of charge, from the American reserves".
Source: ethnos.gr