Greece Warns Turkey of Air Superiority with F-35 Jets
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis issued a strong warning to Turkey on Sunday, September 6, 2026, amidst ongoing political tensions between the two NATO nations. Speaking about the importance of bolstering Greece's air force, Mitsotakis highlighted the nation's successful modernization of its F-16 fighter jets and its acquisition of F-35 aircraft. He stated that these advancements provide Athens with a "very significant advantage, I would even dare to call it superiority," emphasizing that Greece would not overlook this edge.
The prime minister's remarks come as Greece invests heavily in its defense systems. Notably, Greece and Israel recently finalized a significant agreement worth approximately 3 billion euros to establish a multi-layered air defense system named "Achilles Shield," part of Athens' broader military strengthening plan.
Mitsotakis also addressed the possibility of Turkey acquiring F-35 jets from the United States, noting "serious legal obstacles" that impede such a deal. While Athens does not dictate U.S. arms sales, he indicated that Greece sees no current path for Turkey to overcome these legal hurdles.
The heightened rhetoric between Greece and Turkey is linked to disputes over the Aegean Sea and Greece's rapid military rearmament.
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