The negotiation between Athens and Washington for Greece’s acquisition of 5th generation F-35 fighter jets is gradually being finalized.

Specifically, according to sources, the signed Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is being sent by the General Directorate for Defense Investments and Armaments, marking the start of the F-35 procurement program for the Hellenic Air Force. According to the same sources, it is now a formal matter, with the letter expected to reach the American side within days.

It is reminded that the procurement of the F-35s and the S-100 drones, which are interoperable with the FDI frigates, along with other smaller or larger armament programs, were approved a few days ago by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Greece will initially acquire 20 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, in the conventional takeoff and landing version, with a total cost of 3.47 billion euros. The payment starts from the delivery day of the first aircraft, except for the required down payment. At the same time, Athens retains the right to order an additional 20 fifth-generation fighters to form a second F-35 Squadron. This option is expected to be exercised after 2030, once the first Squadron of “stealth” aircraft is activated.

The construction of the infrastructure at the 117th Combat Wing in Andravida, which will serve as the base for the Greek F-35s, is not included in the agreement. The upgrade of the facilities will be entirely undertaken by the Greek side and will be certified by the appropriate security office of the U.S. Air Force before the arrival of the first aircraft. The first step for the comprehensive upgrade of the Andravida Air Base, the future home of the Greek F-35s, took place on December 20, 2023, with the announcement of the tender for the project “Construction of Fencing and Perimeter Lighting at the 117th Combat Wing,” with a budget of €2.1 million, followed by the signing of a €1.5 million contract on March 21, 2024, for the project “Installation of ILS System at the 117th Combat Wing.”

The aircraft deliveries will begin in 2028, with the first four remaining in the United States until 2030 for training purposes. Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2033, according to the current schedule.