Greece Approves Purchase of F-35A Jets and Participation in Constellation Frigate Program.

The Greek Parliamentary Armaments Commission has approved plans to acquire 20 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets and to explore involvement in the Constellation-type frigate construction program. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented these initiatives, emphasizing their strategic importance for enhancing the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force and Navy.
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The F-35A Lightning II can carry a variety of weapons internally and externally, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of missions (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

On January 27, 2024, the United States authorized the sale of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Greece as part of a broader defense package that also includes the sale of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to Turkey. Greece's approved purchase consists of 40 F-35A jets and associated systems, totaling $8.6 billion. These jets are intended to replace the aging F-4 and Mirage-2000 aircraft in the Greek Air Force, significantly enhancing the nation's defense capabilities.

The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed for the United States and allied nations, the F-35A features advanced stealth capabilities, integrated avionics, and superior performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as radar-absorbing materials, sensor fusion, and a highly advanced helmet-mounted display system. It can carry a variety of weapons internally and externally, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of missions. Production of the F-35A began in the mid-2000s, with initial operational capability declared by the U.S. Air Force in 2016. Greece expects the first batch to replace its older aircraft by the mid-2020s.

The Constellation-class frigates, currently under development by Fincantieri Marinette Marine for the U.S. Navy, are based on the Italian FREMM frigates. These advanced warships measure 151 meters in length, 19.8 meters in width, with a draft of 7.3 meters and a displacement of 7,300 tons. They are equipped with a CODLAG propulsion system and can achieve speeds exceeding 28 knots, accommodating a crew of 200. Their armament includes a 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System capable of deploying various missiles, including ESSM, SM-2, and SM-6, as well as a 57mm Mk 110 Mod 0 gun and the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Minister Dendias highlighted that participation in the Constellation frigate program would enhance the operational strength of the Hellenic Navy. The Greek government's exploratory participation could potentially lead to the construction of up to seven frigates in Greek shipyards, with the first unit expected by the early 2030s. This initiative is seen as a strategic effort to boost domestic defense production capabilities.

Dendias' proposals received majority approval from the Commission, though there was opposition from parties such as SYRIZA, KKE, Hellenic Solution, and Niki. The communist KKE and nationalist Hellenic Solution even criticized the F-35s as defective. Nonetheless, the acquisition of the F-35 jets and participation in the Constellation frigate program are expected to play a decisive role in modernizing Greece's defense capabilities.

Dendias also introduced smaller defense programs, including the acquisition of four Schiebel Camcopter unmanned aerial vehicles to be deployed on Navy frigates, further supporting Greece's defense modernization efforts.