International/Turkey

Greek concern over Trump's statements on Turkey acquiring F-35 fighters

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that "recent developments are deeply concerning, both for European security and national security"...

Derya Gülnaz Özcan, Mahmut Nabi

July 11, 2026 • Updated: July 11, 2026

ATHENS

Athens / Anadolu

Positive statements made by US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara regarding Turkey's acquisition of F-35 fighters have sparked concern in the Greek capital Athens.

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, speaking at a seminar organized by The Economist in Greece, said that "recent developments are deeply concerning, both for European security and national security".

Tsipras criticized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government, accusing it of abandoning a multi-dimensional foreign policy.

He added that Mitsotakis, when in opposition during the administration of former US President Joe Biden, exaggerated his positions to the point of being personally described as a 'Trumpian/Pro-Trump'.

He continued: "Today, Turkey is being given F-35, F-16, Eurofighter jets and American aircraft engines, while we cannot even lay a cable to the island of Kasos. There is no doubt we face a situation that threatens our national security."

Tsipras described Trump's positive statements on Turkey acquiring F-35 fighters as a "national defeat for Greece".

He noted that Turkey has achieved several gains, including obtaining F-35, F-16, and Eurofighter jets, and concluding an agreement with Libya on maritime jurisdiction delimitation.

For its part, Greek media devoted extensive coverage to US President Donald Trump's praise of Turkey and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the first day of the NATO summit, and considered his statements on F-35 fighters and the 'CAATSA' law as major gains for Ankara.

The newspaper 'Kathimerini' reported in an article titled 'Athens Annoyed by Developments' that Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias informed members of the US Congress during a meeting in Athens that Turkey's acquisition of F-35 fighters "could have serious implications for stability and security in the region".

The newspaper added that Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, in turn, conveyed his country's unease about the possibility of Turkey obtaining these fighters during a meeting with US Congress members.

The newspaper noted that Greece had so far maintained a balanced stance, considering the F-35 issue a bilateral matter between Ankara and Washington, but indicated that "the new reality forces Athens to convey its view to Washington through all channels".

Turkey hosted the NATO summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, the second time after the Istanbul summit in 2004, and the summit gained great importance given the challenges facing the alliance and the global security system.