Ever-closer Greece-US defense ties were again showcased this week with the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s biggest aircraft carrier, and its accompanying task force at the Souda Bay anchorage on Crete, as Washington continues to mobilize forces facing Iran.
Similarly, video and photographs of US combat planes parked at the Souda military airbase went viral on social media.
Halfway around the world, another round of energy-related negotiations and deal-signing took place in Washington D.C., with the US side now considering Greece as an integral part of its energy strategy for southeast and eastern Europe in the wake of an effort to “wean” Europe from Russian hydrocarbons.
In light of burgeoning relations with Israel, including defense matters, Athens is now looking to access the “top shelf” of America’s arsenal.
At the top of the list are, of course, the stealthy F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.
Greece has approved the purchase of 20 F-35 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin toward the end of 2028 and the first jets arriving at Andravida in southwest Greece around late 2029 to early 2030. The F-35 contract is an $8.6 billion deal, which includes an option for an additional 20 aircraft.
Within the framework of acquiring the specific fifth-generation fighter planes, construction of the necessary infrastructure at Andravida is moving forward under the close supervision of the USAF. Because these are stealth aircraft and involve corresponding technology, reports indicate that no fighter jet will land unless everything at the base is fully prepared, in accordance with USAF standards and security protocols.
Next in line is the upgrade of the F-16 Viper aircraft in the Hellenic Air Force, with work continuing at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) in cooperation with Lockheed Martin. The program is expected to be completed in 2027, and immediately afterwards work will proceed to upgrade 38 F-16 Block 50 aircraft to the “Viper” level.
On the water, several MH-60R Romeo anti-submarine helicopters are expected to provide an “answer” against new submarines being built by Turkey that are based on the German Type 214 design – which Greece also operates. Athens has ordered seven helicopters, with the first three delivered in 2024 and the remaining four expected this year.
Considering that air mobility needs are enormous in a modern theater of operations, the Greek military is retiring its veteran Hueys and awaiting 35 new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Their delivery is expected in the first quarter of 2027, further enhancing the capabilities of the Greek armed forces.
From Washington, a solution is also expected in 2026 regarding the availability of older Chinook twin-rotor helicopters, specifically the CH-47D Chinooks operated by the US Army aviation corps. The Trump administration is also expected to view positively Athens’ potential acquisition of the latest-generation Apache attack helicopters, while modernization of the older models will also be discussed in 2026.
The United States is also expected to move forward with the modernization of the MLRS multiple launch rocket systems in Greece’s army, which, combined with the Israeli PULS systems, will give Athens a cutting-edge capability in multiple launchers, as discussions are also ongoing regarding the advanced HIMARS system.
Participation in the ‘Achilles’ Shield’
According to reports, there will also be US participation in the “Achilles’ Shield” anti-aircraft and anti-missile “dome” initiative. In addition to the Israeli systems to be acquired within this framework, the US Patriot systems, combined with other assets, are expected to play a decisive role in protection against aerial and ballistic threats from the east.
Finally, Greece is also interested in acquiring US-made loitering munitions, as well as other anti-tank systems. Regarding Excess Defense Articles (EDA) and within the framework of defense cooperation, the Greek ministry of defense is examining the prospect of receiving equipment being withdrawn from US military service, such as M109A5/A6 self-propelled howitzers.
