Constantinople, Manolis Kostidis

They are upset in Turkey with the Greek armaments programs, as can be seen from the statements of Murat Arslan, analyst of the Turkish think tank SETA, and also from the reports in the Turkish Mass Media.

“There is a country in the region that perceives Turkey as a threat: Greece! Greece, which bought 24 Rafale fighter jets from France, will also acquire 40 F-35s from the US. We do not need to emphasize the cost of weapon systems, maintenance and operation of the F-35. However, in the context of the air balance with Turkey in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, it should be emphasized that the Greek Armed Forces they acquire quality superiority. The Rafale has superior qualities compared to the F-16 Block 70 in terms of altitude and maneuverability. The F-35s, on the other hand, are effective fighter aircraft in their class with their low radar footprint, intelligence capability, network-centric action and long-range missile launch,” the Turkish analyst pointed out.

“The Rafale purchase in Greece contains an important detail. The ability of these aircraft to make sharp maneuvers at high altitude is a significant advantage compared to the F-16. In fact, Greece is buying Rafale for this reason, to provide maneuver and fire superiority against Turkish F-16s,” he noted.

“Turkey, in order to address this weakness, is turning to the Eurofighters… which offer even greater flexibility and high-altitude flight capabilities than the Rafales. The Eurofighter’s munitions and electronic systems are more familiar to the Turkish Air Force,” the Turkish analyst added.

Turkish media: “Greece with the F-35s in an advantageous position”

“The USA is changing the balance between Greece and Turkey and they will also give Greece frigates” report the Turkish Mass Media.

“Greece, with its purchases of weapon systems, is trying to gain a deterrent force in the Aegean and its supplies are considered to be aimed at confronting Turkey,” emphasizes the newspaper Turkiye.

“On January 27, 2024, the US approved the sale of F-16 Block 70, but at the same time the sale of F-35s to Greece was approved. The US, which always tried to maintain the balance between Greece and Turkey, now put Greece in an advantageous position. The US-approved program for Greece includes 40 F-35s. together with their weapon systems and has a cost of 8.6 billion dollars. These aircraft will replace the F-4. and Mirage 2000-5 currently owned by the Hellenic Air Force. But Greece is not only buying F-35s. plans to enter the Constellation frigate construction program as well,” the newspaper emphasizes.