F-35

Greece is set to purchase Switchblade drones from the United States to enhance its military capabilities, according to sources cited by Reuters on Wednesday. The Switchblade, manufactured by AeroVironment, Inc., is a compact loitering munition that flies to a target before detonating. This type of drone has gained prominence due to its use by the Ukrainian military against Russian forces.

Greece plans to buy Switchblade drones from the United States to further strengthen its armed forces as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis, two sources said on Wednesday.

Athens has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the US and three frigates from France.

Information came to light recently indicating that the United States may, under certain conditions, review its decision not to supply Turkey with F-35 fighter jets.

Greece has approved the purchase of 35 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters from U.S defence contractor Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), opens new tab in an effort to modernize its armed forces, two people with knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

"The deal passed by the parliament's committee is to buy 35 helicopters for 1.15 billion euros ($1.24 billion)," a government official told Reuters.

Greek-American relations hinge and will always hinge on Turkey. Despite attempts to idealize the situation, the reality is that this connection is undeniable. In the latest example underscoring this truth, Washington purposely delayed approving Greece's request to purchase F-35 fighter jets until the completion of the F-16 deal with Turkey.

The United States is prepared to let Turkey back into its F-35 fighter jet program as long as the issue of its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system is resolved, Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland has told CNN Turk. 

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday referred to the US State Department's approval of the sale of up to 40 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece, as well as the accompanying letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying that these developments "confirm the strategic depth of relations between the US and Greece."

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed on Saturday the US State Department's decision to approve the sale of up to 40 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Greece.

Mitsotakis described the approval as "an important day for our national defense and for Greek diplomacy." He also received a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in relation to the decision.

Romania plans to buy 32 latest-generation F-35 fighter jets from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin for 6.5 billion dollars, the defense ministry announced on Tuesday. 

Bucharest increased its defense spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product this year from 2 percent last year in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The American commitment to reinforce Greece with fifth-generation fighter jets, along with the sale of a number of more sophisticated F-16s, is indicative, at least for now, of Washington's wish to maintain a certain balance of air power in the Aegean.