Greece will receive its first F-35s in 2028, strengthening its position within NATO and modernizing its fleet with strategic acquisitions.

Greece is set to receive its first F-35 fighter jets in 2028, as part of a vast program to modernize its air fleet. These fifth-generation aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin, will considerably enhance the country’s defense capabilities and its strategic role within NATO. At the same time, Greece is modernizing its F-16s and integrating French Rafales, making its air force one of the most advanced in southern Europe. This article examines the details of this acquisition program and its geopolitical and military implications.

The F-35 program in Greece: a milestone in military modernization

The contract signed between Greece and Lockheed Martin for the acquisition of 20 F-35s marks an important step in the modernization of the Greek air fleet. These aircraft, based on fifth-generation stealth technology, represent a major advance on the Greek army’s current equipment, notably its Mirage 2000 and F-16. The value of the contract has not been officially revealed, but experts estimate that this first order is worth 3 billion euros.

The F-35s offer versatile capabilities: in addition to their stealth features, they are equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, sophisticated sensors, and a high capacity for real-time data integration. This versatility gives Greece a military tool capable of carrying out interception, ground strike, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

In addition, Greece retains the option of ordering a further 20 aircraft by the early 2030s, which would further strengthen its fleet. The choice of the F-35 is part of a wider strategy aimed at equipping the country with air assets capable of countering regional threats, particularly in the context of tensions with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.

F-35 production: between the USA and Italy

One of the special features of this program is that production of the F-35 will be shared between the USA and Italy. Lockheed Martin will produce the first models in Fort Worth, Texas, before transferring part of the assembly to its Cameri plant in Italy. This site, located 90 kilometers from Turin, is one of three worldwide centers dedicated to F-35 final assembly, along with those in Fort Worth and Nagoya, Japan.

Cameri was a strategic choice for the assembly of the Greek aircraft. This plant has already assembled F-35s for several European countries, including Italy and the Netherlands. This type of industrial cooperation also benefits Lockheed Martin’s European partners, who reap the economic benefits of assembling combat aircraft on their territory. It also reduces delivery times, while strengthening production capacity outside the USA.

The first eight aircraft, scheduled for delivery to Greece by 2030, will nevertheless be produced in the USA, before production is gradually transferred to Cameri. This geographical distribution of production is designed to optimize costs and strengthen cooperation between NATO member countries.

F-16 modernization and Rafale integration: a global reinforcement

In parallel with the F-35 acquisition, Greece is also modernizing its F-16 fleet, with the support of the United States. According to military sources, 82 of the 135 F-16C/D Block 52s currently in service will be upgraded to the F-16V Block 70 configuration. This modernization program, which is scheduled to run until 2027, will equip these aircraft with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars, improving their target detection and engagement capabilities. The estimated cost of this program is 1.5 billion euros, covering both the modernization of on-board systems and crew training.

At the same time, Greece has also acquired 18 French-made Rafales to replace its old Mirage 2000s. These acquisitions, combined with the F-16 upgrade, enable the Hellenic Air Force to maintain a balance between American and European technologies. This strategic choice is aimed at strengthening the resilience and flexibility of the Greek Air Force in the face of modern threats.

The integration of Rafales is also a direct response to the growing threats in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greece is seeking to protect its interests in the face of Turkish claims to energy resources. This modernized fleet provides Greece with air capabilities capable of countering a wide range of threats, while enhancing its role within NATO.

Geopolitical and strategic implications of Greek fleet modernization

Greece’s acquisition of the F-35 is not simply a renewal of its military equipment. It is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Greece’s role within NATO, and solidifying its alliances with the United States and other European powers. With this acquisition, Greece becomes one of the key countries in the defense of NATO’s southern flank, a crucial role at a time of growing tension in the eastern Mediterranean.

Moreover, the possibility of Greece transferring its former F-16s to Ukraine, mooted by some analysts, could mark a turning point in European military support for Kiev in the war with Russia. Although not yet confirmed, such a transfer would strengthen Ukraine while enabling Greece to renew its fleet with more modern aircraft. This move is part of a wider dynamic to reorganize military forces within NATO.

Finally, modernizing the Greek fleet also contributes to the strategic balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Greece and Turkey continue to clash over territorial and energy issues. The F-35s, with their ability to operate in high-threat environments, offer Greece a major technological advantage over its neighbors.

The acquisition of the F-35 by Greece, combined with the modernization of the F-16 and the arrival of the Rafale, gives the Hellenic Air Force one of the most modern air fleets in Europe. These significant defense investments are aimed at strengthening Greece’s role within NATO and protecting its strategic interests in a region marked by growing tensions. The industrial spin-offs and strengthened alliances testify to the geopolitical importance of this program, which will have long-term implications for the security of the Eastern Mediterranean.

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