Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said there is currently no indication that Washington is preparing to lift restrictions preventing Turkey from rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program, stressing that existing US legislative constraints remain fully in force.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday in response to a tabled question by a deputy from the leftist Course of Freedom (Plefsi Elefterias) party, Gerapetritis said reports suggesting that US President Donald Trump may be willing to reverse Washington’s policy toward Ankara do not reflect any current change in the legal framework governing the issue.
“At this stage there is no question of lifting the ban on Turkey’s procurement of F-35 fighter aircraft,” Gerapetritis said, adding that the restrictions imposed under US legislation remain in effect and that any change would require a new decision by the US Congress.
The foreign minister said Greece’s relationship with the United States is at its strongest point to date, describing it as a mutually beneficial partnership founded on trust and reliability. He also reiterated that Greece’s sovereign rights and national interests are “absolutely non-negotiable” and that the government continues to use every available diplomatic avenue to defend them.
Responding to criticism that Athens should be more concerned about reports regarding Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program, Gerapetritis said such media speculation has surfaced periodically but insisted Greece’s foreign policy and defense planning are based on established strategic partnerships rather than unconfirmed reports.
The minister contrasted Greece’s and Turkey’s positions since 2019, noting that when the current government took office Greece was outside both the F-35 acquisition program and the modernization program for its F-16 fighter fleet, while Turkey remained a participant in the F-35 program before its subsequent removal.
He said Greece has since secured the purchase of 20 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, with an option for 20 more. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in November 2029 and will be based at Andravida Air Base, strengthening the country’s long-term defense capabilities.
Gerapetritis also highlighted progress in the modernization of Greece’s F-16 fleet, saying 56 of the 83 aircraft being upgraded to the latest configuration have already been delivered, with the remaining aircraft expected in the coming period.
The deputy, Apostolos Kazamias, argued that the reported developments regarding Turkey’s possible access to F-35 aircraft should concern Athens and accused the government of adopting an overly relaxed stance.
In response, Gerapetritis said Greece has significantly strengthened both its diplomatic standing and military capabilities over the past several years, noting that the country now has access to the F-35 program and upgraded F-16s while Turkey remains excluded from both initiatives.
The exchange comes as Greece continues to advance its long-term defense modernization program and deepen strategic cooperation with the United States, while maintaining that any future changes to Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program remain subject to US congressional approval.
Over the past six months, Athens has consistently emphasized that its acquisition of F-35 fighters, alongside the French-made Rafale aircraft, FDI frigates and broader defense investments, forms part of a wider strategy to enhance deterrence and preserve stability in the eastern Mediterranean, while avoiding direct linkage between Greece’s procurement plans and potential US decisions concerning Turkey.
