The United States is “paving the way” for the supply of state-of-the-art F-35 fighters in Greece, as it appears from the bill for the new US defense budget (NDAA) that was voted with an overwhelming majority (89-10) in the Plenary Session of the Senate. At the same time, Turkey, which was involved in the development program of state-of-the-art fighters, is “left out”.
The budget package also included as an amendment the bill on US-Greek defense cooperation, which was tabled in June by the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Menendez. This means that the Menendez bill automatically becomes state law along with the signing of the budget by President Biden. This is the second bill of Greek interest that manages to pass in the US Congress in the last two years.
Lending in Greece
In this context, Congress believes that the United States Government should provide direct loans to Greece for the supply of defense equipment, defense services, and design and construction services in accordance with Section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). to support the further development of the Greek military forces.
The F-35 fighters
In particular, the bill seeks to prepare the ground for the approval of the sale and the acceleration of the delivery of F-35 fighter jets in case Greece decides to buy them. In this light, the provision of loans related to armaments programs is also envisaged.
Entitled “US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership 2021”, it provides specific initiatives to upgrade defense cooperation, but also to support the modernization of the Greek Armed Forces.
According to the bill, the US Congress considers that it is in the US interest to help Greece get rid of its existing dependence on Russian defense equipment. Therefore, our country is expected to join the European Recapitalization Incentive Program. However, one of the changes identified in the amendment in relation to the original text of the bill is that no specific chapters are provided.
The Congress for the Delivery of F-35 Fighter Aircraft to Greece
It is Congress’ sense that the president has the power to expedite the delivery of any future F-35 aircraft to Greece as soon as Greece is ready to proceed with such a purchase, in accordance with the certification requirements set forth in section 36 of the Control Act. Arms Exports.
Help in Greece
Help Greece to break free from existing dependencies on Russian defense equipment
The bill states that the sums provided through the European Recapitalization Incentive Program should be taken into account as much as possible in order to help the country meet its defense needs and move away from Russian-made military equipment. In addition, it is envisaged that no later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this law, the Secretary of State will submit to the relevant congressional committees a report that will provide a full assessment of all funds distributed under the European Recapitalization Incentive Program.
This report should include:
-the identification of each country that accepted the funds.
– a description of how the funds were used.
– an assessment of the remaining equipment provided by the then Soviet Union or the Russian Federation to the recipient countries.
The sense of Congress:
-Greece is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the United States must remain committed to supporting its security and prosperity.
-The 3 + 1 cooperation scheme between Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States has been a successful forum for cooperation on energy issues and should be expanded to include other areas of common interest to members.
– The United States should increase and deepen its efforts to cooperate and support the modernization of the Greek army.
-It is in the interest of the United States for Greece to continue to remove its military equipment from Russian-made platforms and weapons systems through the European Recapitulation Incentive Program (ERIP).
– Maritime cooperation with Greece in the Gulf of Souda and in Alexandroupolis is mutually beneficial for the national security of the United States and Greece.
-The United States should, as appropriate, support the sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in Greece.
-The United States Government should continue to invest in International Military Education (IMET) programs in Greece.
– The United States Government should support joint maritime security cooperation exercises with Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
-According to legal principles and project selection criteria, the US Development Bank (USDFC) should consider supporting private investment in strategic infrastructure projects in Greece, to include shipyards and ports that contribute to the security of the region and the prosperity of Greece.
The extension of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) with Greece for a period of five years includes the deepening of partnerships in Greek military installations throughout the country and is a welcome development.
-The United States Government should establish the US-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, as authorized by Section 204 of the 2019 Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act (EastMed Act).
At the same time, support is expressed for the 3 + 1 scheme (Greece, Cyprus, Israel plus the USA) providing for specific moves to deepen and institutionalize American participation.
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