A complex negotiation involving Washington, Ankara and Moscow is gathering momentum as efforts advance to reopen a path for Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, a development that is raising concerns in Athens over potential changes to the military balance in the Aegean.
According to the reported discussions, US President Donald Trump appears positioned to overcome congressional objections, while Russia is considering whether to approve the sale of Turkey’s S-400 missile systems in exchange for other benefits.
Greek officials view the evolving situation as part of a broader realignment with implications extending beyond aircraft procurement.
For Athens, a central question is whether Turkey could quickly receive six F-35 aircraft that had already been built for the Turkish Air Force before Ankara’s removal from the program in 2019.
If delivered, those aircraft could enter Turkish service before Greece receives its first F-35s, currently expected in 2028-29.
