As speculation mounts over the potential resumption of U.S. sales of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis refrained from direct commentary on the reports. Instead, he urged NATO allies to remain attentive to regional security concerns. This issue comes into focus ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s commitment to fostering improved relations with Türkiye through dialogue and cooperative neighborly efforts.
While Mitsotakis did not directly address the possible resumption of F-35 sales, his remarks underscored the necessity for NATO to consider the security concerns of all its member states. This reflects Greece’s apprehensions about long-standing regional disputes that continue to affect the alliance. The Prime Minister’s comments come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication that Washington is contemplating lifting restrictions on defense cooperation with Türkiye, potentially including the sale of F-35 fighter jets and easing CAATSA sanctions.
Despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at improving bilateral ties, Greece and Türkiye remain at odds over maritime boundaries and territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. These issues persist as significant points of contention between the two NATO allies, underscoring the complexity of the regional security landscape.
The potential move by the United States to resume defense sales to Türkiye, including advanced fighter jets, adds a layer of complexity to the existing tensions. As NATO allies navigate these challenges, the emphasis on dialogue and sensitivity to regional security dynamics remains crucial for maintaining stability in the area.