World News
Greece seeks closer defense ties with Israel and Middle Eastern nations
Greece intends to advance security ties with Israel and Arab partners, according to Associated Press.
The short version
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Greece will pursue strategic defense cooperation with Israel alongside deeper ties across the Middle East.[Associated Press]
- The announcement follows a 3-billion-euro agreement signed on August 31 for Israel to construct an air defense shield in Greece.[Associated Press]
- Greece expects its first 20 F-35 fighter jets in late 2028, with an option to acquire 20 more.[Associated Press]
- Mitsotakis stated that a recent defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey will not disrupt Greek-Saudi relations.[Associated Press]
Key facts
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated Greece intends to advance defense cooperation with Israel while expanding relations across the Middle East.[Associated Press]
- Greece and Israel finalized a 3-billion-euro deal on August 31 to build an air defense shield in Greece.[Associated Press]
- Greece is set to receive 20 F-35 aircraft in late 2028, maintaining an option for an additional 20.[Associated Press]
- Mitsotakis affirmed that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey does not affect Greece's relationship with Riyadh.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Legal hurdles remain unresolved regarding potential American F-35 sales to Turkey following sanctions over its Russian S-400 procurement.[Associated Press]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Greece wants deeper ties with both Israel and Arab countries, premier saysAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press