Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has clarified that, at present, there is no question of lifting the U.S. ban on Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. His remarks aim to close down speculation sparked by recent media reports suggesting a potential shift in Washington’s stance.
No Change in U.S. Policy — Legal Barriers Remain
Gerapetritis stressed that existing restrictions under U.S. law remain fully in force. Any reversal would require new legislation from the U.S. Congress — a step not currently underway. For the foreign minister, discussions about Turkey, the F-35, and U.S. policy must be grounded in actual geopolitical realities and formal institutional decisions — not news articles. “Foreign policy is not conducted through press reports,” he stated, underscoring that Greek-American relations are “at their strongest point ever.”
Responding to Parliamentary Questions
In response to a timely question from Alexandros Kazamias, MP of the Freedom Movement party, who cited reports about a possible U.S. policy shift toward Ankara, Gerapetritis adopted a reassuring tone. He noted that such reports periodically resurface, but affirmed that Greece’s foreign policy is guided by a “strong footprint” and the robust international partnerships needed to safeguard national interests.
Greek-American Ties: Trust and Mutual Benefit
The foreign minister placed special emphasis on the quality of Greek-U.S. relations, describing them as a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit. He drew a comparison with 2019 — when Greece was excluded from both the F-35 program and the F-16 upgrade initiative, while Turkey remained a participating partner. Today, he said, that dynamic has reversed.
Greece’s F-35 Procurement and Andrávida Base
Gerapetritis reminded the audience that Greece has already secured an order for 20 F-35 fighter jets, with an option to acquire 20 more. The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery in November 2029 and will be based at the Andrávida Air Base in western Greece. He also referenced the ongoing modernization of 83 Greek F-16s — of which, he said, 56 have already been upgraded to the most advanced configuration.
“National Rights Are Non-Negotiable”
Addressing criticism that the government appears “lax” amid regional developments, Gerapetritis insisted that Greece today holds a far stronger international position and significantly enhanced defense capabilities compared to the past. “For us, national rights are absolutely non-negotiable,” he emphasized, reaffirming the government’s commitment to exhausting every available diplomatic and strategic avenue in their defense.