The U.S. Department of State has given the green light on Greece’s plan to purchase 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
Details of the proposed foreign military sale worth $8.6 billion have been sent to Congress for review and approval, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Under the deal, Athens is also looking to acquire 42 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, including the critical hardware and software components for operating the aircraft and associated elements of logistics and program support.
DSCA said the aircraft acquisition will allow the Hellenic Air Force to deactivate its aging fleet of F-4s and Mirage 2000s.
The fifth-generation fighters will also bolster Athens’ capacity to support NATO missions in preserving regional security and protecting members of the alliance.
Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines are the companies to fulfill the upcoming contract’s requirements.
Greece submitted the formal request to buy the F-35s in June 2022.