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Greece, Athens (AP) —Greece sent a request to the United States to buy a squadron of F-35 fighters, the Prime Minister of the country said Thursday in an effort to strengthen its defense capabilities. Tensions continue with neighboring Turkey, which said it was part of the.
Kiriakos Mitsutakis told reporters in Madrid at the NATO summit that Greece intends to buy a Lockheed Martin F-35 squadron, with a second squadron option. Said.
"Part of this procedure is the sending of a recent request," said Mitsutakis, who is the beginning of a long process, with Athens aircraft before 2027 or 2028.
Greek officials said a squadron would consist of 20 planes.
Greece has already ordered 24 French Rafale fighters. Six were new and 18 were previously used by the French Air Force.
Neighbors and NATO allies Greece and Turkey have long-standing debates over a range of issues, including claims of sovereignty in the Aegean Sea and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean.
Recent fights have focused on the Greek islands off Turkey, and Ankara has accused Athens of maintaining its military presence on the islands for violating the treaty. Greece claims to be acting in accordance with international law and defending the islands in the face of Turkey's hostility.
