The US Department of Defense has approved a $17.2 million contract with defense giant Lockheed Martin to provide engineering and technical support for Greece’s entry into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program—a strategic move aimed at bolstering NATO’s southeastern defenses.
According to a Pentagon press release issued on May 5, the contract includes “engineering and technical support, program management, non-recurring unique requirements, and training” to assist Greece’s integration as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer within the F-35 framework.
Work under the contract will be distributed across several US locations: Fort Worth, Texas (60%); Orlando, Florida (18%); Greenville, South Carolina (11%); El Segundo, California (5%); Baltimore, Maryland (2%), as well as Lancashire, United Kingdom (4%). The project is expected to be completed by May 2028.
The agreement marks a pivotal milestone in Greece’s ongoing military modernization, a decade-long initiative launched in the wake of its financial crisis and amid persistent tensions with neighboring NATO member Turkey over maritime disputes in the Aegean.
As part of its initial procurement, the Hellenic Air Force will acquire 20 F-35 fighter jets at an estimated cost of €3.47 billion, with an option to purchase 20 more under a broader $8.6 billion defense package.
The first group of Greek pilots is set to begin F-35 training in the US by September, with 14 pilots and 60 technicians scheduled to depart this summer.
In January 2024, the US State Department approved the potential sale of up to forty F-35 fighter jets and their respective equipment. Greece’s official request to the US for the purchase of twenty Lockheed Martin-made F-35 fighter jets was submitted in 2022.
“We are excited to welcome Greece into the F-35 enterprise,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office.
“The F-35 will provide exceptional capability to the Hellenic Air Force, build interoperability between our allies, and strengthen the combat effectiveness for all of NATO.”
“For several decades, the Hellenic Air Force has been our partner, and it is our honor to continue that relationship as Greece becomes the 19th nation to join the F-35 program,” said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program.
In a parallel effort to boost its aerial capabilities, Greece has also acquired advanced French-made Rafale jets. The last of an order for 24 Rafale aircraft for the Hellenic Air Force landed at the Tanagra military base in January.
The fighter airplanes have been incorporated into the 332 Squadron, part of the 114 Combat Wing, replacing the M-2000 aircraft.
