Greek pilots to train on F-35s in 2027, Mitsotakis says after NATO summit
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlined the timeline for Greece's F-35 acquisition after the NATO summit in Ankara, confirming pilot training will begin in 2027 and that the aircraft are already in production.
F-35 program on track
Greece's F-35 fighter jets are now in production, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced after the NATO summit in Ankara. The first Greek pilots will begin training on the aircraft in 2027. Mitsotakis stressed that the program is proceeding rapidly, with no delays reported.
Greek pilots will train on our own F-35s in 2027, which are already being built. Greece has significantly strengthened its defence since 2019.
- 24 Rafale fighters operational
- Over 50 of 83 aircraft upgraded to Viper configuration
- Aircraft in production
- Greek pilots begin F-35 training
Fleet modernization
Beyond the F-35, the Hellenic Air Force is upgrading its existing fleet. More than 50 of 83 F-16 fighters have already been modernized to the Viper configuration, and the programme is accelerating. Greece also operates 24 Rafale jets, which Mitsotakis said substantially boost operational capabilities.
Turkey's F-35 exclusion
Asked about a possible Turkish return to the F-35 programme following the Trump-Erdoğan rapprochement, Mitsotakis declined to comment on US decisions. He noted, however, that significant legal obstacles remain in American law, tied to Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
It is not my job to tell the United States what to sell and where. Just as I do not accept suggestions on what we should buy to shield our country's defence.
He added that those legal hurdles are still in place.
Casus belli and bilateral ties
Mitsotakis addressed Turkey's longstanding casus belli threat, dating from 1995, calling it a "historical misspelling" incompatible with the Athens Declaration and the positive climate both sides want to build. He urged that it be left behind.
The time has come to leave it behind. Even if we do not solve our biggest problem, that does not mean we cannot live peacefully and cooperate on other parts of our common agenda.
He acknowledged progress on migration and bilateral contacts, despite disagreements over maritime zone delimitation.
NATO spending commitments
Mitsotakis highlighted that Greece exceeds the 3.5% defence spending target and is a protagonist in NATO's push for greater European burden-sharing. He said former US President Donald Trump was right to demand that European allies take more responsibility, especially after the war in Ukraine.
Trump was absolutely right. Greece is one of five countries that has surpassed 3.5% on its defence budget. Greece is a protagonist in this great NATO effort.
