Gerapetritis: 'No issue of lifting F-35 ban for Turkey currently exists'

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has asserted that there is currently no question of lifting the ban on Turkey's procurement of F-35 fighter jets. He clarified that the restrictions imposed by U.S. legislation remain in place for Turkey, and any lifting would require a new decision from Congress.

“

At the present stage, there is no issue whatsoever regarding the lifting of the ban on Turkey for the procurement of F-35 fighter jets.

Gerapetritis emphasized that Greek-U.S. relations are at their highest point, describing them as a relationship of reliability and mutual benefit. He assured that Greece's national rights are "absolutely non-negotiable" and that the country consistently pursues all avenues to support them.

“

Greek-U.S. relations are at their best point, a relationship of reliability and one that is mutually beneficial for both countries.

The minister's remarks came in response to a parliamentary question citing media reports suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump might be willing to change his stance and reward Turkey. Gerapetritis dismissed these reports, stating that Greek foreign policy possesses the strength and relationships to advance its national interests in defense matters.

“

National rights are absolutely non-negotiable and we always exhaust every possibility to support them.

He contrasted Greece's current strong position with its situation in 2019, when the current government took power. At that time, Greece was excluded from the F-35 program and the upgrade of its F-16 aircraft, while Turkey was included, a situation that would have significantly altered regional balances. Today, Greece has secured the purchase of 20 F-35 jets, with an option for 20 more, the first of which are expected in November 2029. Additionally, Greece is upgrading 83 F-16 aircraft with enhanced technology, with 56 already delivered.

“

In 2019, Greece was outside the F-35 program and outside the upgrade of the F-16 aircraft. Conversely, Turkey in 2019 was inside the F-35 program, and it is obvious that this would have altered any balance in our wider region.