Greek opposition voices concern over Türkiye's potential return to F-35 program
Positive remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Türkiye's possible return to the F-35 fighter jet program have triggered criticism in Greece, with former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras describing the prospect as a "national defeat" for Athens.
Speaking at an Economist conference in Greece, Tsipras said recent developments had raised serious concerns over both European and Greek national security.
He accused Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government of abandoning the multidimensional foreign policy pursued by successive Greek governments since 1974 in favor of what he described as an unconditional alignment with allies.
"Where we've arrived today: F-35s, F-16s, Eurofighters and U.S. aircraft engines are being given to Türkiye, and we don't even have the ability to lay a cable to Kastellorizo. We are in a position where our national security is at risk," Tsipras said.
He also criticized the government's defense cooperation with Washington, arguing that Athens had granted the United States expanded access to military bases without securing comparable strategic concessions.
Opposition criticizes shifting regional balance
Referring to Trump's comments on Türkiye's potential acquisition of F-35s, Tsipras said the development amounted to a "national defeat," arguing that Ankara had strengthened its position through progress on F-16s, F-35s, Eurofighters and its maritime agreement with Libya.
He also said the NATO summit reflected a changing geopolitical landscape in which the United States is increasingly shifting its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific while expecting Europe to assume greater responsibility for regional security.
On the war in Ukraine, Tsipras called for keeping diplomatic channels open, saying Europe should prioritize a negotiated settlement rather than escalating confrontation with Russia.
Greek media highlights Türkiye's gains
Greek media widely focused on Trump's praise for Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the NATO summit, describing the U.S. president's comments on the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions as significant diplomatic gains for Ankara.
Kathimerini reported that Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias raised concerns with a visiting bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation, warning that Türkiye's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets could affect regional stability and security.
According to the newspaper, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis also conveyed Athens' concerns during separate meetings with the U.S. lawmakers.
Kathimerini reported that the American delegation did not publicly take a position on the issue and noted that Greek officials had already been informed by Washington in 2025 of its intention to support Türkiye's return to the F-35 program.
Ta Nea quoted a veteran Greek diplomat as saying closer ties between Washington and Ankara present a growing challenge for Greece, arguing that Türkiye is becoming an increasingly important actor in Europe's security architecture and the Middle East.
Source:turkiyetoday
