United States OKs $8.6B Sale of F-35 Fighter Jets to Greece

The United States State Department has given its nod for a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece, approving the acquisition of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft, along with related equipment, at an estimated cost of $8.6 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) officially notified Congress of this development on January 24, 2024.

The proposed sale includes up to 40 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter CTOL aircraft and 42 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (40 installed, 2 spares). The package also encompasses a range of supporting elements, such as AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders, KGV-135A embedded secure communications devices, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), Full Mission Simulators, electronic warfare systems, logistics management and support systems, and much more.

This strategic move aligns with the foreign policy goals and national security interests of the United States, as it enhances the air capabilities and interoperability of Greece, a NATO Ally known for fostering political and economic stability in Europe.

The F-35 acquisition will enable Greece to modernize its air force, reinforcing its ability to defend its airspace, actively contribute to NATO missions aimed at preserving regional security, and strengthen its interoperability with both U.S. and NATO forces. Furthermore, this purchase is anticipated to address the increasing obsolescence of older Hellenic Air Force aircraft, such as the F-4 and Mirage 2000.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, based in Fort Worth, TX, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines from East Hartford, CT, are identified as the principal contractors for this transaction.