AiBotIn a statement that has sparked heightened tensions in the region, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that Greece will take all necessary measures to prevent the sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye. The move is seen as a direct rebuke to Ankara’s long-standing efforts to bolster its military capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Dendias said that Greece will “try hard” to prevent the transfer of F-35s to Türkiye, which he described as a provocative move aimed at encroaching on Greek territorial sovereignty. The Greek Defense Minister emphasized that his country would not stand idly by while its national security is jeopardized by the actions of its eastern neighbor.
The F-35 is a cutting-edge aircraft featuring advanced stealth capabilities, supersonic flight, and highly advanced avionics. Its acquisition by Türkiye would significantly enhance Ankara’s military prowess, potentially altering the regional balance of power. Greece, which has itself been seeking to modernize its armed forces, has long been concerned that an F-35-equipped Türkiye would create an asymmetric threat to its national security.
Dendias’ comments follow a statement issued last week by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, who claimed that Türkiye was eager to finalize the F-35 acquisition. The Turkish Defense Ministry had previously expressed frustration over Washington’s reluctance to proceed with the sale, citing concerns over Ankara’s human rights record and its acquisition of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.
While Turkey has denied any wrongdoing, the F-35 acquisition has become a major point of contention between Ankara and Washington, with both nations accusing each other of violating the terms of their defense agreement. The dispute has led to concerns within the NATO alliance, with some members calling for greater transparency and coordination to address the regional tensions.
The sale of F-35s to Turkey has been subject to U.S. congressional approval, which has been delayed on multiple occasions. The U.S. Congress has imposed stringent conditions on the sale, including the requirement that Turkey drop its S-400 program and address human rights concerns.
Dendias’ pledge to prevent the F-35 sale highlights the deepening tensions between Greece and Türkiye, which have a long-standing dispute over territorial claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. The conflict has drawn international attention, with the European Union, the United States, and other major powers urging both nations to engage in dialogue and resolve their differences through peaceful means.
As tensions in the region continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Greece’s efforts to block the F-35 sale will succeed or merely fuel further escalation between Athens and Ankara.