Greece intends to buy 24 US “F-35-” fighters due to the serious tensions with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean

Greece announced its intention to purchase 24 “F35-” fighters from the United States, due to the serious tensions with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.

This came, according to Greek state television, according to the Greek Ministry of Defense.

The television stated that a request has already been submitted in this regard to the United States, indicating that Greece is seeking to gain advantages in facing Turkey in the Aegean.

It is noteworthy that there has been a conflict for months over the areas of natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean between the two countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 

Greece accuses Turkey of illegally exploring gas reserves in waters belonging to Greek islands.

Ankara denies the accusations and says that the waters it is drilling in return to the continental shelf of Turkey, pointing out that the islands, including large ones like Crete, do not have a continental shelf.

The European Union has repeatedly and strongly condemned Turkey’s activities in the region and threatened to impose sanctions.

Greece began a comprehensive arms program since last September, due to tensions with Turkey.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the government’s intention to purchase 18 French “Rafale” multipurpose aircraft.

It is also expected that Athens will buy four new frigates with the modernization of four other German-produced frigates. The Greek government will increase its stock of anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes and types of ammunition other.