Greece Secures Initial US Approval for Advanced F-35 and F-16 Weapons
Washington appears ready to clear advanced weaponry for Greece's fighter fleet, driven in part by Athens shopping elsewhere, including Israel.
- Greece gained initial US approval for advanced arms on F-35s and F-16 Vipers.
- The shift follows Athens exploring defense options with Israel and France.
- The advanced AIM-120D missile remains a central focus of ongoing discussions.
These strategic developments highlight ongoing regional defense cooperation. While there is no direct impact on daily travel or real estate investments for Israelis in Greece, staying informed on local developments remains recommended.
Strategic Dialogue in Athens
Following the sixth Greece-US strategic dialogue held in Athens, Washington appears to be shifting its stance on clearing advanced weapon systems for the Hellenic Air Force. Historically, US approvals for long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground strike systems requested by Greece have faced delays.
According to sources, this policy shift is partly attributed to growing market competition and Athens turning to alternative defense suppliers, including Israel and France. These steps have encouraged a reevaluation in Washington regarding requests for the Hellenic fleet.
International Defense Partnerships
Israel has previously supplied Rampage supersonic missiles and SPICE guidance kits for Greece's upgraded F-16s, providing the air force with robust ground-attack capabilities. Additionally, Greece has acquired Meteor missiles from France for its Rafale jets, while the UK works on certifications that could further expand options for the F-35 fleet.
The ultimate prize sought by Athens for years is the AIM-120D, the latest iteration of the AMRAAM. Sources indicate this long-range missile was part of the official list presented to US officials during recent discussions in the capital.
Yavanet will keep updating from official sources.
