Greek Military Plans Radical Overhaul and Wait for F-35 Block 4 Upgrades

Greece's military leadership has revealed plans for substantial changes in its Armed Forces, particularly the air force, aiming to phase out older combat aircraft and obtain new F-35 stealth jets. Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias emphasized the nation's patience in acquiring Block 4 F-35s with the latest upgrades. The delay is due to concurrency issues within the program. These upgrades are critical for enhancing the F-35's capabilities, such as carrying more weapons and improving electronic warfare. The timeline for the Block 4 upgrades has been pushed back to 2029 from the original 2026 plan, and the cost has increased from $10.6 billion to $16.5 billion. Greece's decision to wait for the upgraded F-35s aligns with broader reforms in its Armed Forces, constituting the 'biggest reform program in the history of the modern Greek state.' The plans involve phasing out certain aircraft, such as F-4 jets and Mirage 2000-5 planes, while upgrading and maintaining others in preparation for the Block 4 F-35s. Furthermore, the US State Department has greenlighted a potential sale of up to 40 F-35As to Greece, marking a significant step in modernizing the nation's fighter fleet.