Greece is one step closer to purchasing the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. An official request has been submitted
What is known
The deal was previously approved by Senator RobertMenedes (Robert Menendez). James Risch, head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has now signed off on the deal.
The US State Department will be able to senda request to the US Congress for approval of the deal. Greece wants to receive the first F-35 aircraft in 2028. If all goes according to plan, deliveries will last until 2033.
In June 2022, Greece submitted a request to purchase20 fifth-generation fighters with an option for 20 more. Now the country's Air Force uses fourth-generation aircraft F-16 Fighting Falcon. The service plans to upgrade 83 fighters to the level of F-16V Block 70/72.