United States may sell Greece 20 the latest fifth-generation fighters F-35A Lightning II. At the same time, six of them were originally planned to be transferred to Turkey., but they did not do this after Ankara made a decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems.
This was reported by the Greek newspaper Estia.
As Athens and Ankara clash over hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, such a step by the United States will not only increase the military power of Greece, but it will also give Turkey a signal that, which side is Washington on.
true, this message sounds somewhat premature. Formal consent of the United States to sell F-35A to Athens under the FMS procedure (U.S. military sales program) not yet given by the US Congress. However, the Greek newspaper, published information, refers to talks between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Greek authorities during his last visit to Athens.
Likely, there are no formal obstacles, to sell these planes to Greece, a member of the North Atlantic Alliance. Besides, in contrast to the decision to sell the F-35 by the Americans to the Arab states, this deal will not raise objections from Israel.
At the same time, the United States fears, that during the transfer of F-35 fighters to the Greek Air Force, Turkey will try to test the S-400 on them, previously acquired from Russia – “test”, aiming anti-aircraft missile systems at fifth generation fighters.
used photos:https://ru.wikipedia.org/U.S. Air Force (R. Nial Bradshaw)
