Pyatt satisfaction for Greece’s interest in acquiring F-35

Defence Redefined

01/12/2020

US Ambassador to Athens, Jeffrey Pyatt, said in a statement today that the US welcomed Greece’s decision to buy the fifth generation F-35 fighter jets.

“We have signaled our support for procurement and are working closely together on a future acquisition program, which would enhance Greece’s defence capabilities, ensure interoperability with US Armed Forces and improve regional stability.  All reports to the contrary are false and misrepresentations of US policy,” he said.

Also read: No F-35s to Turkey | US Senate Resolution

“We take great pride in our defence and security partnership with Greece and work daily to advance that from strength to strength, including through Greece’s future acquisition of the F-35,” Payatt said.

The US ambassador explained that the procurement of fighter jets is a “multi-year process that would naturally build upon the successes realized in Greece’s F-16 Viper upgrade program.”

In a letter of request earlier this month, Theodoros Lagios, General Director of the Armaments and Investments Department of the Greek Ministry of Defence, stated that it is important for Greece to acquire the specific aircraft.

“It is important for Greece to receive the first F-35s in 2021. We ask you to urgently consider our request,” Lagios said.

Source: CNN.gr

Also read: The US Department of Defence wants full DEAD / SEAD capabilities in F35A